Abstract

Climate change is one of the most urgent and complex challenges of our time. It affects everyone, but not equally. Some communities are more vulnerable and less resilient to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat, flooding, air pollution, and rising energy costs. These communities are often those that have historically faced racial, economic, and environmental injustices.

That is why the City of Minneapolis has developed a new Climate Equity Plan that aims to eliminate greenhouse gas pollution and create a more equitable and prosperous future for all. The plan focuses on actions that benefit diverse and low-income communities, especially in the Green Zones, where environmental justice is most needed. The plan also seeks to create green jobs, plant thousands of trees, lower utility bills, and make our streets more walkable.

The Climate Equity Plan is not just about the environment. It is about people. It is about how we can work together to create a more sustainable and just city for ourselves and future generations. This plan is based on input from residents, organizations, businesses, and experts who care about climate equity. It reflects our shared vision and values as a city. The detailed plan follows and will guide city leadership and staff regarding actions needed to address buildings, energy, water, green spaces, transportation, food and circular economy. 

The Plan includes new policies and practices where the city has direct control or influence to reduce carbon emissions to achieve accelerated goals. These measurable goals prioritize equitable decarbonization of our environment in the ways we build our buildings, move around the city, and how we procure and dispose of goods and food. Through the lenses of improving health, accessing wealth, and reducing climate change impact, the Plan is an educational resource as well as solutions-based tool to reduce pollution, conserve energy and restore the ecological balance of our community.