Cleveland, OH — The City of Cleveland is committed to advancing climate action throughout our region. Over the next year, we will be working to update the Cleveland Climate Action Plan with science-based targets in alignment with those set by the Paris Climate Agreement. This update will heavily focus on emission reductions and resilience building in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C. 
 

On April 13, 2023, the Office of Sustainability will host a Decarbonization Summit to begin the work of enhancing the City’s climate ambitions with a focus on emissions reduction and resilience through the lens of decarbonization. 

The Public Convening morning sessions (8:30 a.m.- noon) will be livestreamed to Sustainable Cleveland’s YouTube page and broadcast on TV20. 

“While we know we have work to do, we are also celebrating environmental and climate action successes including the relaunch of the recycling program, the Urban Forestry Commission and other important projects,” said Sarah O’Keeffe, director of Cleveland’s Office of Sustainability.   

As we celebrate Earth Month, here are some updates:  

• Cleveland has achieved Tree City USA recognition for the 43rd consecutive year.
   
• Mayor Justin Bibb became vice-chair of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan climate organization that includes mayors from across the country.
   
• The City has been recognized as an U.S. EPA Green Partnership Community for its commitment to purchasing clean and renewable energy. Through this award, we receive recognition for reducing the environmental impacts of electricity usage and reducing our carbon footprint. 
   
• The Climate Disclosure Project (CDP) has awarded the City an A- score for its extensive mitigation and adaptation planning efforts.
   
• The first publicly accessible electric vehicle charging station was installed at the Frederick Douglas Recreation Center. This project was funded through an Ohio EPA grant, charging is currently free at this location. 
   
• The newly revived Urban Forestry Commission hosted its inaugural meetings. For the first time, members had a chance to introduce themselves and discuss a few of the goals they strive to achieve during their terms. 
   
• In the first 6 months, the City of Cleveland's new recycling program diverted an estimated 1,279,900 pounds of waste from landfills. These include mixed plastics, glass, mixed paper & cardboard.