Climate Action

Climate Action Program

Climate change is a global issue that requires local action, and the City of Los Angeles is taking aggressive measures to combat further climate impacts. LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN), recognized as a national leader in environmental services and programs, is a critical partner in the City’s climate response and in advancing the path towards the City’s climate goals.

Achieving our climate goals will be a significant challenge. There is no simple solution. LASAN is committed to proactively addressing climate change and supporting climate action in line with our mission to protect public health and the environment.

Building on nearly a decade of experience, LASAN’s Climate Action Program supports the City’s path towards carbon neutrality as outlined by the Sustainable City pLAn. Housed within the Regulatory Affairs Division of LASAN, this program collaborates with City departments, policymakers, and outside agencies on climate-related reports and activities.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventories

The Climate Action Program conducts inventories on an annual basis to quantify the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) released from municipal operations and community activity, and publishes the inventories and related materials here. These inventories are an important component of understanding Los Angeles' GHG emissions and to track the City's progress towards reaching its own carbon neutrality goals.

2020 Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The City of Los Angeles 2020 Community GHG Inventory summarizes the 2020 GHG emissions from all activities within the City and the progress that has been made in reducing emissions compared to its 1990 baseline numbers.

2020 Municipal Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The City of Los Angeles 2020 Municipal GHG Inventory summarizes GHG emissions that occurred from all City operations in 2020 as well as reductions made since the City's baseline year of 2008.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between the community and municipal inventories?

While both inventories track greenhouse gases released in the City, the community inventory includes all GHGs produced within City

boundaries, regardless of whether the City has any direct control over them. For example, the community inventory includes emissions
from privately owned cars and homes within the City limits.

The municipal inventory only includes GHGs produced by City government operations that are under the City’s control, regardless of the
geographic location. For example, this includes emissions from water reclamation plants and streetlights operated by the City.

Q: What GHGs do the inventories track?

The inventories track three main GHGs: carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and methane(CH₄).

Emission totals are reported in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e) for simplicity.

Q: Who can I contact if I have more questions?

You can contact us at san.climateaction@lacity.org, or call us at (213) 485-3640.