Climate change poses a direct threat to Midpen's mission. Climate change alters the ecosystems we care for, leading to warmer temperatures, shifting plant and animal habitats, increased risk of wildfires and rising sea levels. Midpen recognizes this as an opportunity to lead by example and contribute to the solution.
Last month, staff presented encouraging news that the agency has reduced the administrative greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% over the 2016 baseline. The reduction in emissions surpasses the prescribed goal of 20% initially set in Midpen's Climate Action Plan. The primary drivers for the emissions reductions included increased use of renewable electricity and renewable diesel, greatly improved energy efficiency at the new administrative office and the hybrid commute policy implemented in the wake of COVID-19.
Looking to the future of the Midpen's climate change program, we are preparing to add more attention to climate adaptation, resilience, carbon sequestration and storage. Several projects in these areas have already been completed or are underway, and additional projects are planned for the coming years. The La Honda Creek Preserve Forest Health Project is one example of a multi-partner effort to promote healthy, resilient, mature forests while enhancing wildlife habitat and carbon storage capabilities.
Midpen’s open space lands store tens of millions of tons of carbon in plants and soils. Developing that land would release much of the carbon into the atmosphere. By acquiring and preserving open space lands, Midpen keeps that carbon stored in the earth.
Beginning in 2021, we're proactively expanding our environmentally sensitive vegetation management six-fold over the next decade with our Wildland Fire Resiliency Program