December’s cold snap & 2024 temps, “Stream Smart” and more.

Catch up on the latest sustainability news 2025 has to offer:

December’s cold snap broke a pattern of warmer-than-average months in Philly. Last month’s average temperature was just 0.1°F below normal at 38.5°F. However, a string of drier-than-average months continued, with Philly receiving 87% of the normal amount of precipitation in December. Although last month was colder than normal, long-term data shows that December temperatures in Philly have increased by 4.5°F since 1970. Climate Central.

A local initiative aims to help homeowners incorporate green stormwater infrastructure into their properties. Green stormwater infrastructure like rain barrels or downspout planters can help reduce runoff from properties by capturing stormwater within them. “Stream Smart” is a local program that helps participants do just that. The Upstream Suburban Philadelphia watershed collaboration, the entity behind the success, was honored with the Excellence in Community Education Award at the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Annual Environmental Partnership Dinner late last year.

2024 tied with 2012 for Philadelphia’s warmest year ever. After a wet winter, scorching summer, and dry fall, 2024 joined 2012’s ranks among Philly’s warmest years (out of the past 151 years that records exist for.) Thanks in large part to human-caused climate change, average temperatures throughout the year were 2.6 °F above normal. WHYY Climate Desk.

In the two years since the Inflation Reduction Act was passed, environmental efforts in Philly have received financial boosts. IRA programs covering areas such as climate justice, urban forestry, and high-efficiency buildings have so far provided over $55 million in funding to entities in Philadelphia alone. An additional $685 million available in funding already is, or has the potential to, benefit environmental and climate initiatives region-wide.

The new Sixers arena was approved amid opposition and environmental concerns. Late last month, the Philadelphia City Council green-lighted a $1.3 billion plan for the construction of a new Sixers arena in the Fashion District. In September, Green Philly explored how a key impact report did not fully account for important environmental concerns raised by community advocates.

Cover photo: VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Suzanna Cook

Suzanna Cook is a lifelong Greater Philadelphia resident and graduate of Stockton University, where she obtained a B.S. in Sustainability with a concentration in Policy. Recently, she held positions on the editorial staff of her school’s independent student newspaper and as a Sustainability Specialist at Grand Canyon National Park. You can often find her riding the PATCO to Center City, crocheting with thrifted yarn, or practicing her latte art.