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Sustainability means using, developing and protecting resources at a rate and in a manner that allows people to meet their current needs while ensuring that future generations will be able to meet their own needs.
Climate Action Plan
Clackamas County’s Climate Action Plan is a roadmap for how the county and the community can work together to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Directed by the Board of County Commissioners, the plan focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from key areas like buildings, transportation, and waste. Reaching this goal can help limit climate impacts while supporting cleaner air, healthier communities, and a stronger local economy.
The plan was developed with input from community members, Youth and Community Advisory Task Forces, county staff, and climate experts. It builds on actions the county is already taking—such as improving energy use, expanding waste reduction programs, and planning for low-carbon transportation—to guide future projects and decisions across Clackamas County.
- Draft Climate Action Plan (PDF)
Focused on reducing emissions from buildings, transportation and waste, November 2023 - Draft Implementation Guide (PDF)
Specific actions to carry out the strategies described in the draft CAP, November 2023 - Draft Climate Lens (PDF)
Tool to help staff consider emissions reductions of proposed projects, programs, services and other initiatives, November 2023
Countywide Actions to Combat Climate Change
- County operations greenhouse gas inventory
- First baseline community-wide greenhouse gas inventory
- Identified renewable energy procurement options for county operations
- Initiated process for a low-carbon county fleet and electric vehicle (EV) charging
- Support for innovative mass timber construction
- Offering a climate change presentation for schools
- Expanded commercial food scraps composting
- Host Repair Fairs for people to repair their broken appliances and tools instead of throwing them out
- Worked with area libraries to create Libraries of Things, where community members can check out items like board games, tools and appliances instead of buying new.
- Provide support for rural broadband so less populated communities can stay connected without needing to drive
| Year | Resolution |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Added a specific goal about climate action to the county’s updated Performance Clackamas strategic plan. The goal states: By January 2022, a Climate Action Plan is adopted for our community with specific recommendations to reach the goal of being carbon neutral by 2050. |
| 2018 | Directed staff to develop an updated countywide climate action plan. |
| 2017 | Reaffirmed the county’s climate goals. |
| 2008 | Adopted the U.S Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration and a resolution on climate change. |
What You Can Do
Community members making climate-friendly decisions and engaging with each other are crucial to reducing the county’s carbon footprint.
