Portland is tackling climate change head on. We were the first US city to adopt a carbon reduction strategy in 1993, and our cutting-edge Climate Action Plan put us on a path to reducing emissions by 80% in 2050.

We’ve made progress, but there’s still more to do. Through the American Cities Climate Challenge, we’ll continue to lead the way.

What is the American Cities Climate Challenge?

Created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the American Cities Climate Challenge is a two-year program that empowers 25 of America’s largest cities to take bold action toward meeting climate goals. Through the Climate Challenge, Portland joins an unprecedented network of partner cities and organizations committed to climate action.

Together, we can make a real difference. The efforts of the 25 Climate Challenge cities combined will reduce 40 million metric tons of CO₂ by 2025. That’s the same as taking 8.5 million cars off the road or shutting down 10 coal-fired power plants.

What is Portland’s Climate Challenge game plan?

Most carbon emissions produced in the Portland area come from powering our homes, businesses and vehicles. The City of Portland is focusing its efforts through the Climate Challenge on projects, programs and strategies that will move the needle in these sectors—what we call “big moves and bright ideas.”

Learn more about each of our Climate Challenge goals. 

A commitment to climate justice

Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge facing our planet today. We’re already experiencing the effects of rising global temperatures: more extreme weather, more frequent forest fires, reduced air quality and rising sea levels.

The climate crisis affects everyone. But it affects some of us more than others. People of color and communities with low-income levels and wealth are disproportionately impacted by climate change. The City is committed to advancing racial equity, and any big move or bright idea we pursue to reduce our carbon emissions must also result in more equitable outcomes for our community.