Climate Action FAQ

Climate Action Data Portal  /  Climate Action FAQ

What is the SANDAG Climate Action Data Portal?

The Climate Action Data Portal is an online resource for data related to preparing for and reducing the effects of climate change in local planning.

What is ReCAP? What is the ReCAP Snapshot?

The Regional Climate Action Planning Framework, also known as “ReCAP”, is a regional guidance document prepared by SANDAG. ReCAP aims to identify best practices and guidance for preparing Climate Action Plans (CAPs) and monitoring implementation over time. ReCAP establishes a technical framework for regionally-consistent climate action planning, while preserving flexibility for local jurisdictions to address their own unique needs and circumstances.
The ReCAP Snapshots are climate planning monitoring reports that are available to the jurisdictions SANDAG serves through the Roadmap Program. The ReCAP Snapshots assist jurisdictions with monitoring community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and/or CAP implementation over time. Each ReCAP Snapshot includes a GHG inventory, jurisdiction quick facts, and climate activity data for the designated year.
It is important to note that climate planning activities vary by jurisdiction and are dependent on a variety of factors, such as funding and staff capacity. The ReCAP Snapshot is meant to support a jurisdiction’s efforts to monitor and report on CAP implementation. For jurisdictions without an adopted CAP, the ReCAP Snapshot provides data that can help inform ongoing or future CAP development, and other sustainability plans and initiatives. View a more detailed FAQ on the ReCAP Snapshots.

What is included in the Climate Action Data Portal?

The Climate Action Data Portal includes the following data, available at the local level (by jurisdiction) and at the regional level:
  • GHG inventory data
  • Climate activity data
  • Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) data (both regional VMT by roadway and local VMT by Origin-Destination)
The Climate Action Data Portal also includes GHG inventory and climate activity data graphing functionality to best visualize trends.

How was the activity data selected?

Activity data points were selected based on input from local jurisdictions and the following criteria:
  • Data should represent the majority of common GHG reduction activities included in local Climate Action Plans
  • Data should demonstrate impact of local policies and actions; and
  • Data should include data sources that are readily available, can be regularly updated, and are consistent to all jurisdictions.

What is the relationship between the GHG emissions inventory, climate activity data, and each CAP?

A CAP is a long-term plan that outlines specific activities a jurisdiction will implement to reduce GHG emissions. This includes an analysis of community wide GHG emissions and reduction target(s).
 The GHG emissions inventory provided in the Climate Action Data Portal (and in the ReCAP Snapshots) quantifies GHG emissions based on the methodologies described in ReCAP, aligning with best available transportation data. In comparing the most current GHG inventory to prior inventories and reduction targets in a jurisdiction’s CAP, it is important to consider how the current data and methods may differ from prior analyses and identify where direct comparison may not be possible. View a summary of how current GHG inventory data and methods differ from previous inventories.
Furthermore, because climate activity data is meant to be regionally consistent, activities may not align precisely to the GHG reduction measures or the metrics identified in a jurisdiction’s individual CAP. Each jurisdiction will have unique GHG reduction measures and may identify specific metrics for monitoring CAP implementation that are not included in the Climate Action Data Portal or in the ReCAP Snapshots.
The methodology for calculating greenhouse gas emissions inventories can be found in Technical Appendix I of the SANDAG ReCAP.

How often is the Climate Action Data Portal updated? How often are the ReCAP Snapshots prepared? Will other activity data be added?

The Climate Action Data Portal is updated annually with the most current data that is available. It is important to note that not all data points are reported annually.
 SANDAG plans to provide updated local GHG inventories and ReCAP Snapshots every two years. As technology advances and data sources and methods evolve, content in the Climate Action Data Portal and ReCAP Snapshots may change, including methodologies for preparing GHG emissions inventories and climate activity data.
 As data becomes available, future topics not currently addressed may be added, including GHG emission trends over time, environmental justice, social equity considerations, climate adaptation, and resiliency.

When was the Climate Action Data Portal last updated?

The Climate Action Data Portal was launched and last updated in the fall of 2021.

Who developed this website?

SANDAG developed the Climate Action Data Portal in partnership with HNTB and the Energy Policy Initiatives Center at the University of San Diego School of Law. Development of the Climate Action Data Portal was primarily funded through a Caltrans grant, with additional funding provided by California utility customers. The Portal was administered by the San Diego Gas & Electric Company under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.

Where can I find a local jurisdiction’s adopted Climate Action Plan?

As of October 2021, the following jurisdictions in the San Diego region have adopted a Climate Action Plan: