Plan

Climate Action Plan for the Chicago Region

Summary

The strategies contained in this plan are specifically tailored for action at the municipal scale. Municipal governments are uniquely positioned to lead, enact policies, and encourage others to take action. The Caucus will work with its membership to immediately undertake common sense strategies so that, collectively, we may address the depth and complexity of the climate crisis.

Year

2024

Details

Hazards Addressed

Severe Winter Weather

Assets

Critical Facilities

Cultural and Community Services

Transportation and Mobility

Urban Landscape and Tree Canopy

Water Infrastructure – Drinking Water

Water Infrastructure – Wastewater

View the Plan

Equity Insights

Impacts from climate change are profoundly inequitable. Historical policies and systemic racism have created conditions that leave low-income individuals and people of color more vulnerable to climate-related hazards, as evidenced by heat and flooding impacts discussed above. Underlying conditions such as poor stormwater infrastructure, inadequate housing stock, lack of tree cover, exposure to air pollution, and barriers to transit and active transportation are chronic stressors that amplify impacts from climate hazards like flooding and extreme heat.

Lessons Learned

A multi-jurisdictional approach is needed for addressing the climate crisis. Each community must link its work to that of others to address the regional and global scope of the global climate challenge. If one municipality reduces GHG emissions but the larger region makes no progress, climate change and its related impacts will accelerate. The same can be said at broader scales. If Chicagoland reaches net zero emissions but the state and nation take no action, the climate crisis will worsen. This plan positions us as leaders in the national effort to mitigate that crisis.