Chicago shares plan to combat climate change

Building on Chicago’s work to stand strong in the face of a changing climate, the city released the Resilient Chicago plan. The plan was developed over the past two and a half years in tandem with 100 Resilient Cities and an array of governmental, business, and philanthropic organizations.

The plan centers around three pillars: Strong Neighborhoods, Robust Infrastructure, and Prepared Communities. These categories reflect the inherent link between economic disconnect and environmental degradation; recognizing that without inclusive, city-wide economic empowerment, Chicago cannot be resilient in the long-term.

In the Strong Neighborhoods section, the plan includes strategies to boost affordable housing, improve youth quality of life, and connect families to social services. Beyond social infrastructure, the second pillar details hardening the city’s built environment. Through data-driven infrastructure planning, expansive and accessible public transportation, and thoughtful storm-water management, Chicago will be able to reduce travel-related emissions and prepare itself for changes in future precipitation patterns. Building more resilient and connected communities will offer Chicagoans more vibrant places to live with easier access to jobs.

The plan contains 50 actionable initiatives, with the Robust Infrastructure section committing to city-wide renewable energy by 2035, making Chicago the largest city in the US to commit 100 percent clean energy. Further, Chicago will completely electrify the CTA’s bus fleet by 2040. Beyond strengthening the city’s services and built environment, the Prepared Communities pillar lays out deeper connections between Chicagoans and the city’s emergency services. The city will focus on accessible technology, such as 311 and the website, to share information with residents and ensure that communities are prepared for significant events. Further, Chicago will infuse resiliency into long-term planning and public safety services.

Following the Chicago Climate Charter, and the city’s LEED for Cities Platinum Certification, Chicago continues to lead on climate issues and look to the future for an inclusive and resilient city.