Climate Smart Communities

The climate crisis is at a critical stage. Urgent action is needed. Our planet is experiencing more intense heat, bigger storms, longer droughts, increased flooding, raging wildfires, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. And yes, man-made greenhouse gases are causing our climate to change.

That's why the Southold Town Board took the Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Pledge in 2019 and created a CSC Task force to move forward in helping reduce greenhouse gases and establish other energy efficiencies in our Town. Town government, residents, business owners, all working together, can become part of the solutions by taking actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Actions

Actions (Pledge Elements) that assist in improving the environment and earn points towards levels of Climate Smart Communities Certifications: NYS Certification Actions

Pledge Elements

1. Build a climate-smart community.

2. Inventory emissions, set goals, and plan for climate action.

3. Decrease energy use.

4. Shift to clean, renewable energy.

5. Use climate-smart materials management.

6. Implement climate-smart land use.

7. Enhance community resilience to climate change.

8. Support a green innovation economy.

9. Inform and inspire the public.

10. Engage in an evolving process of climate actions.

Southold Town Code

Town Code: The Town adopted Codes to protect our wetlands, residents, and businesses from impacts of living on lands surrounded on three sides by high energy waters. Prior to planning for land-use permits, please review these Codes to make sure your project is complying with the latest regulations. Chapters 96 Town of Southold, NY Boats, Docks and Wharves (ecode360.com), 111 Town of Southold, NY Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas (ecode360.com), and 275 Town of Southold, NY Wetlands and Shoreline (ecode360.com).