Mesa, AZ - Mesa City Council voted to accept the City of Mesa Climate Action Plan at the City Council meeting held this evening. The plan represents the City's commitment to proactively and responsibly protect and conserve Mesa's environment and natural resources.
The goal of the Climate Action Plan is to lower the City of Mesa's climate impact, serve as a guide for sustainable growth and build resiliency by reducing carbon pollution in City operations. Mesa will use the plan to further study mitigation and adaptation strategies, implement intentional policy direction and support the advancement of innovative technologies.
"The Climate Action Plan affirms Mesa's commitment to resiliency and sustainability," said Mayor John Giles. "Now it's time to engage the community and measure our progress to ensure we pass along a community to future generations that's healthy at every level."
The plan uses four Aspirational Goals that will guide the vision for the future:
Carbon Neutrality- Reduce the carbon footprint of City operations by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sinks.
Renewable Energy- Prioritize the use of renewable, resilient energy to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050.
Materials Management- Manage material responsibly and divert 90% of waste from the landfill by 2050.
Community Action- Develop community-based action items to be incorporated into the Climate Action Plan.
"I am proud the City of Mesa has made a commitment to a Climate Action Plan," said Vice Mayor and District 4 Councilmember Jen Duff. "Around the world we are seeing the impacts of climate change. In Arizona we're experiencing record drought, extreme temperatures and increased wildfires. We must do our part in joining the global community to mitigate climate change, prepare and adapt for our future."
City departments will focus on six areas to help to achieve progress towards the goals laid out in the plan. The six focus areas are energy, air quality, heat mitigation, water stewardship, materials management and food systems. The City will work within these areas to create solutions with short-term and long-term benefits.
"The Climate Action Plan is one that I'm proud to support," said District 5 Councilmember David Luna. "It keeps Mesa consistent with other municipalities in an effort to minimize our carbon footprint."
The Climate Action Plan will be a living document that will evolve over time as new strategies, resources, technologies and collaborations come to light.
For more information and to see a copy of the Climate Action Plan, visit www.mesaaz.gov/climateaction.
Contact: Casey Blake
(480) 644-3662
casey.blake@mesaaz.gov