A key component to successful implementation of a climate action plan is ensuring greater awareness of climate change and other sustainability issues. The strategies in this sector highlight different methods of educating the public, including businesses and City employees.
Carmel already has numerous public education initiatives as well as several nonprofits that aim to involve the community in sustainability initiatives. For instance, the Carmel Green Initiative works to “promote and support the City of Carmel’s commitment to reducing our impact on the environment and meeting the climate challenge.” Helping Ninjas is another nonprofit that seeks to engage youth in different environmental initiatives while also growing their social and interpersonal skills. The City of Carmel also has its Bike Carmel initiative, which promotes bicycling by holding bike-centered events throughout the year. Finally, the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District runs the Backyard Conservation Program, which educates the public on how to create and preserve wildlife habitats in backyards, conserve water, and protect watersheds while connecting residents to nature.
The strategies identified in this section will help Carmel’s residents and businesses gain a better understanding of climate change and what they can do to help mitigate their own GHG emissions.