Earlier this year, I was named Chair of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of more than 470 U.S. mayors demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. I am not only honored to lead on a national level on critical climate issues, but my involvement helps to highlight the work we are doing locally to improve the quality of life for all Houstonians.
In April 2021, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Houston Climate Action Plan by announcing the first-ever, city-wide solar co-op in the City of Houston in partnership with Solar United Neighbors.
We released the CAP – a science-based, community driven strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Houston, meet the Paris Agreement goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, and make Houston a leader in the global energy transition.
In a year which brought us “unprecedented events” one after another it’s easy to get discouraged. But thanks to the incredible unwavering support of community partners, it’s just the opposite.
In the last year, we have made huge strides on so many of our goals and targets in the Climate Action Plan.
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Planted over 700,000 Trees – part of our goal to plant 4.6 M by the end of this decade
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Created new tax incentives for green infrastructure to reduce flooding, emissions, and urban heat
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Set a goal of 500 miles of trails and bike lanes by 2025, and we are at 344 miles or 69% of our goal
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Purchased first new installation of electrical vehicles to the city fleet since hurricane Harvey,
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Adopted TOD, walkable places, and vison zero ordinances to reduce our dependence on cars and make our transportation system safe for all
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Launched long-range solid waste plan
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We set a goal of creating 50 new “energy 2.0” companies by 2025 and we are over halfway to our goal.
The city reached our goal of power city buildings with 100% renewable energy last July—five years ahead of schedule. And we are working with the Sunnyside community to transform a landfill that has been abandoned for 50 years into the largest urban solar farm in the US, creating jobs and clean energy in the process.
Talking about climate in Houston – the energy capital of the world – can be challenging. But over the past year, there has been a seismic shift in the way Houston views climate change. This change can be seen in our communities, at City Hall, and in the businesses – and most notably the fossil fuel industry that call Houston home.
I encourage all Houstonians to learn more about the city of Houston’s Climate Action Plan and do your part to protect our planet.
