This measure shows the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2e or carbon dioxide equivalents) from four main sectors: energy, transportation, waste, and industrial processes (large emitters) within the Cuyahoga County geographic footprint and the change in greenhouse gas emissions annually. 

Data for Cuyahoga County are from the County’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, completed in partnership with the Brendle Group in 2019. Data for peer communities are from each city’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory, with State of Ohio and United States data provided by the Environmental Protection Agency. These peer communities are leading the movement for local governments to track emissions and mitigate climate change, allowing for data comparison on a county-by-county basis. 

Cuyahoga County emissions are high among identified peer communities due to the lack of clean energy sources in the region, development patterns that support increased travel by vehicle, and limited progress on policy adoption that would support large-scale renewable energy generation.

Data are reported by the Cuyahoga County Department of Sustainability on an annual basis.

Greenhouse gas emissions are a key environmental indicator used by nations across the world. Many state and local governments use this metric to support and track sustainability initiatives related to energy, transportation, and waste. The County’s Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory is a key component in the development of the Cuyahoga County Climate Action Plan and shows the County’s commitment as a part of the international community working to mitigate and adapt to global warming and climate change.

Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories

Cuyahoga County: Cuyahoga County Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory  (Month of Update: July, 2-year lag) 

Comparative Analysis: Environmental Protection Agency, community greenhouse gas emissions inventories.  Data included in the comparative analysis chart shows the most recently reported data for each community.  (Month of Update: July, Two year lag)

Data table abbreviated due to number of measures.  See Attachments for full data table.