Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and the City Council have adopted a climate action plan roadmap to cut emissions and build a more resilient city by approving the City’s comprehensive action plan to reach its net-zero goal a decade or more earlier.
The move sets a goal to reach net-zero by 2050 or sooner, and adds a specific 50-percent reduction in emissions by 2030.
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“Today’s action builds on my commitment to strengthen climate initiatives for the good of Phoenix and the state of Arizona, and to deliver on a global promise for world health and security,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “I’m proud to lead a city that has already launched the first publicly funded Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, invested in innovative cool solutions for our hot climate, and championed water wise initiatives that have resulted in a 30-percent reduction in consumption even with an added 400,000 new residents.”
Mayor Gallego serves as North American Vice Chair of C40 Cities, a global organization of leading metro communities committed to climate action.
“Part of our charge is to conduct modeling of our proposed climate actions,” Mayor Gallego added. “For Phoenix, our net-zero goal is community-wide, not just for city operations. It will take a cross-sector approach, overlaid by a comprehensive plan that includes water conservation and heat mitigation strategies.”
Last month the Council approved $2.8 million in the 2021-2022 Budget specifically for climate and heat related staff, resources, and investments. The City has reduced its investment in fossil fuels to $0, realized a 40-percent increase in green bonds, and increased investment in tree plantings to continue to grow the City’s tree canopy. Combined, these efforts will foster an aggressive approach and environment to achieve the goals of the Climate Action Plan well before its deadline.
To read the Phoenix Climate Action Plan, visit https://www.phoenix.gov/oep/climate.
