Alachua County proposed a new Climate Action Plan to combat climate change. The goal: reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Alachua County by 80% by 2050.
The plan, which spans over 250 pages, has approximately 180 action items on topics like agriculture, transportation and waste management.
“A lot of it is already rooted in the programs and the commitments that Alachua County has made,” said Jennison Kipp, resiliency specialist for the Environmental Protection Department, at the Aug. 26 County Commission meeting.
The plan recognizes environmental legislation already in place. Highlighted in its “Agriculture and Food Security” section is the county’s Zero Waste Initiative. With a focus on food security, the county has partnered with Gainesville to eliminate food waste by 2040.
The document also mentions agricultural implementations, like the Small Farmer Grant program, which provides small farms $5,000 grants.
While the plan acknowledges these efforts and their effects, it also suggests new policies that could amplify these results.
One action item supports the integration of farm-to-table programs in Alachua County Public Schools. It seeks to implement gardening programs and nutrition education to establish a local food system culture in the county.
The group’s aims remain inspired by the proverb, “the unbending tree is easily broken,” originally penned by Chinese philosopher Laozi, Kipp said.
“I think of our community as being a bending tree that has these firm, grounded roots,” she said. “What we're trying to do is figure out the margin where those best opportunities are to bend and respond and cope in the face of change.”
These changes result from new environmental threats, identified as extreme heat, heavy rainfall and high sea levels, which have placed added stress on North Central Florida.
The group hopes the fluidity of the document will grant it the flexibility necessary to adjust with these everchanging environmental concerns, according to Stephan Hoftstetter, environmental protection department director at Alachua County.
The group aims to further adjust their Climate Action Plan in hopes the Alachua County Commission will approve it later this fall. The plan’s ceremonial approval is tentatively set for a climate festival on Nov. 15.
Contact Grace Larson at glarson@alligator.org. Follow her on X @graceellarson
Grace is a first year journalism student, serving as city/county commission reporter for the Fall 2025 semester. While she has not previously been on staff, her early journalism experience can be attributed to Devil's Advocate, her high school newspaper. When she is not writing, Grace enjoys staying active by running, weight lifting, hiking and doing yoga. Her other pastimes include thrifting and working on random art projects.
