Clearing roadblocks to climate action plans

To prepare for a future buffeted by climate change, California has set some of the most ambitious climate goals in the nation. These include achieving carbon neutrality, transitioning to clean energy sources, and ensuring community resilience in the face of climate risks and hazards. But while Sacramento sets goals for mitigation, adaptation, and resilience, local communities are where such goals meet reality.

Local governments seeking state funding for climate projects are first asked to develop their own climate action plans. Climate action plans lay out how a community will do its share to meet state climate mitigation and adaptation goals. They tackle topics such as how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from homes, businesses, and transportation; prepare for climate change-driven extreme weather such as increased heat; and minimize climate change-related harms to vulnerable communities.

The problem is that many municipalities lack the incentives, resources, and wherewithal to create or update their plans. This has left many opportunities for local climate action either unaddressed or behind schedule.

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