A recent analysis from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) of communitywide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions shows that Montgomery County’s GHG emissions decreased by 32% between 2005 and 2023. Montgomery County’s decrease was despite a 16% growth in population.
“I’m encouraged by the reduction in our per capita greenhouse gas emissions, which shows that climate-friendly investments and policies make a difference,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “But climate change remains one of the biggest challenges we face, and we can’t afford to be complacent. We need to keep building on this progress by reducing emissions, expanding clean energy, and making our communities more resilient to the impacts of a changing climate.”
The Community-Wide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Summaries provides inventories for 24 local governments in the metropolitan Washington region, including Montgomery County.
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MWCOG’s GHG inventory for Montgomery County shows:
GHG emissions—such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—are released through everyday activities like electricity use, transportation, and heating buildings. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and increasing public safety risks like extreme weather, flooding, and poor air quality. Tracking and reducing GHG emissions helps protect public health, strengthen community resilience, and support long-term environmental sustainability.
In June 2021, the County unveiled its Climate Action Plan, to achieve the County’s 2017 goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035. “Our climate goals are among the most ambitious in county,” said Sarah Kogel-Smucker, climate change officer. “County government, residents, and businesses have strived to make the plan successful by focusing on reducing pollution from buildings, vehicles and waste. I applaud the leadership from government, partners, and, most importantly, the residents who support, collaborate, and work to make the County a cleaner, healthier place to live, work, and play.”
On Monday, June 8 at 4 p.m., the County Executive and Climate Change Officer will host an online discussion via Zoom to provide additional details. No registration is required. Click the Zoom link to join. A question-and-answer session will follow a short presentation.
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Visit Montgomery County’s Climate Action Portal for more information on efforts to address climate change and find resources, reports, and updates for residents and businesses.
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