Some actions to tackle climate change in Austin include the city's plan to add 330 electric vehicles by 2020 and Austin Energy's commitment to generate 65 percent of its energy through renewable by 2027.

AUSTIN — Mayor Steve Adler and the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability are declaring October as Climate Change Awareness Month.

This initiative will include a variety of activities to engage the public and businesses to bring awareness about climate change.

According to the National Weather Service, Austin's 2018 summer was the third-hottest in record history, which is one of the many reasons why Adler and the city decided to make October the month to bring awareness about Climate Change.

RELATED:

The city said Austin is 1 in 6 of United States cities with the most aggressive targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

MORE:

“We’re already seeing the impact of climate change here in Austin, and projections tell us to expect even more extreme weather,” said Adler. “On behalf of the City of Austin, I was happy to sign the ‘We Are Still In’ declaration, making a commitment to take every possible action to achieve the principles and goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. With everyone’s help, we can fight climate change and protect this city we call home.”

The Austin Community Climate Plan includes actions that will reduce emissions from three key areas: energy, transportation and waste sources. Adler wants to challenge individuals and business in Austin to help reduce the city's carbon footprint.

Amy Petri, Communications Manager for the Office of Sustainability in Austin, told KVUE in detail how individuals could be challenged in these areas.

“Specifically, they can think about reducing their energy consumption, turning off lights when they leave the room, keeping their thermostats a little warmer than they usually would using a little less energy that way,” said Petri.

When it comes to transportation, Petri says Austinites are encouraged to use something other than their car at times.

“In terms of the way that they get around town running errands, thinking about places they can walk or bike instead of getting in their car – maybe taking the bus one day a week to work. Anything to get out of the car and reduce those single occupancy drives.”

Petri also says buying local and being cognoscente of packaging on products is important.

“We’re looking for people to buy local, support the local economy, try buying local products. Paying attention to recycled content and things like recycled towels and toilet paper," said Petri.

Petri adds that even if one isn't participating because of climate change, the initiative could help Austinites save money.

"Even if that’s not the issue you identify with, a lot of these actions that we ask people to take can potentially save them time, money, create better health benefits, there’s a lot of things that come out of this that are good and beneficial whether or not climate change is the reason that you’re doing it," said Petri.