Setting an international example, Portlanders have cut carbon emissions by 14 percent since 1990, even though our population has grown by 30 percent and we’ve added over 75,000 more jobs during that same time. In per-person terms, that means each Portlander produces 35 percent less carbon than they did in 1990.

All of our biking, tree planting, transit use, and home efficiency efforts make a difference.  There's still a lot more to do, though.  The goal is to reduce our carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.  That requires an updated plan, and it's ready for your review and comment.

The City of Portland and Multnomah County have released the draft 2015 Climate Action Plan for public comment. The draft plan provides a roadmap for the community to achieve aggressive carbon reduction goals by 2030 and 2050.  It also includes strategies for adapting to climate change, drawn from the Climate Change Risk and Vulnerabilities Assessment and Preparation Strategy adopted by City Council last year. 

The Plan is also a great educational resource to brush up on issues around climate change, including what individuals in Portland can do to help, and how our community will be impacted by a changing climate. Many community leaders and local experts helped create the draft plan.

Visit www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/climate to find additional information and download a copy of the draft plan. Comments from the public are accepted through April 10, 2015.

You can also learn more, ask questions, and provide input at one of these open house events:

•          March 19th at the Velo Cult Bike Shop (5:30 to 7:30PM, 1969 NE 42nd Ave.) (event link)

•          March 24th at the June Key Delta Community Center (5:30 to 7:30 PM, 5940 North Albina St.) (event link)