Chicago Climate Action Plan

From the start, the charge and scope of the Chicago Climate Task Force was broad and ambitious. Dozens of experts and a nationally recognized research advisor committee took part in discussions. Leading scientists were consulted to describe various scenarios for Chicago’s climate future and how these would impact life in the city.

The results of the research are both serious and encouraging. They clearly demonstrate that our current trajectory poses risks to our economy and health. They demonstrate that we need to act now to reduce our emissions, while preparing for climate changes that cannot be avoided. We face a big challenge – but we have also been granted a big opportunity. Every Chicago resident and business has a role to play in implenting the Chicago Climate Action Plan, which will not only ensure a more liveable climate for the world, but also for the city. The economy and quality of life could improve. Jobs could be created. New technologies will emerge.

The Chicago Climate Action Plan outlines five strategies, which are broken into 26 actions for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and nine actions to prepare for climate change. The Chicago Climate Action Plan details steps for organizations of all kinds and suggests actions for every individual. The Plan is a snapshot in time -- the actions detailed in the Strategies section draw on current technology and options now available in the market. As new technologies and options emerge, actions may change. The goal, however, remains the same: to reduce our emissions and prepare for change.

	Introduction The introduction contains the preface, a letter from Mayor Richard M. Daley, and background information on climate change. Learn more...
	Energy efficient Buildings Buildings and related energy sources account for approximately 70 percent of all city emissions and are the primary target for our reductions. Key opportunities here are improving the energy efficiency of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Learn more...
	Clean and Renewable Energy Sources Clean and renewable energy sources include higher standards for fossil fuel plants and replacing energy from fossil fuel plants with renewable energy. Learn more...
	improved Transportation options Transportation accounts for 21 percent of all GHG emissions in the city. We need to reduce the amount people drive (measured in vehicle miles traveled or VMT) and improve fuel efficiency. Learn more...
	reduced Waste and Industrial Pollution Waste and Industrial Pollution account for a much smaller share of Chicago’s emissions, but we must change our waste and industrial processes to achieve our emissions reduction goal. Learn more...
	Adaptation Adaptation is crucial to ensure that the city can manage the changes that will come because of the levels of GHGs already in the atmosphere. The Plan identifies the steps required – and some already taken. Learn more...

Chicago Climate Action Plan

Introduction

Energy efficient Buildings

Clean and Renewable Energy Sources

improved Transportation options

reduced Waste and Industrial Pollution

Adaptation