CLIMATE CHANGE IN CARY
Cary is already experiencing the impacts of a changing climate, such as stronger storms and increasingly hot summers. Fortunately, we already have the tools, strategies, and resources to reduce Cary's contribution to climate change and strengthen our ability to adapt to climate impacts.
WHY IS OUR CLIMATE CHANGING?
Climate Change 101
Our climate is changing due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which trap heat in our atmosphere. GHG emissions are created through many of our daily activities, from sending waste to decompose in landfills to burning fossil fuels like gasoline to power our cars.
To address climate change, we must reduce our emissions. We can have an impact by transforming our energy, transportation, and infrastructure systems to be as clean, efficient, and sustainable as possible. Need a refresher on how and why climate change is happening? Watch this short video from Bill Nye and the Climate Reality Project.
HOW DOES CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECT CARY?
Cary's Changing Climate
In Cary, we can expect especially increased risks from precipitation, heat, and drought due to climate change over the next 30 years. These impacts are projected to become more frequent and more intense over time, and could change depending on how much humanity reduces GHG emissions in the near future. These extreme weather events have the ability to affect our everyday lives and our community's health, safety, well-being, and economy. That is why it will be essential for Cary to build community resilience to climate impacts in addition to decreasing GHG emissions.
1. North Carolina Science Report, NCICS (2020); 2. The Weather Year In Review, North Carolina State Climate Office (2025). Climate Explorer, NEMAC (2024); 3. Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Wake County (2019).
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Learn More About Climate Change
Explore these videos, news stories, and resources to learn more about our changing climate and solutions for a resilient future.