South Bend Climate Action Plan

From 2023-2024, the South Bend community considered the latest science and determined how to prevent and prepare for the worst impacts of climate change. Split into three sections and 25 actions, this updated climate action plan aims to:

• Reduce pollution that causes climate change
• Adapt and be resilient to the impacts of climate change
  
  

VIEW THE FULL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN HERE OR DOWNLOAD PDF (RIGHT)

Email us with your feedback: CAP2024@southbendin.gov
Envíenos un correo electrónico con sus comentarios: CAP2024@southbendin.gov

Energy

Energy is the highest climate action priority because energy use accounts for nearly two-thirds of South Bend’s greenhouse gas emissions (64.4%). Energy-efficiency and renewable energy investments not only immediately reduce pollution, but also ensure that our city’s infrastructure is efficient, clean, and resilient. We are also focused on measuring and managing energy consumption for large energy users and supporting reliable energy for critical services during outages or disasters.

Mobility, Accessibility, and Equity

This plan considers the entire urban environment and the people who move around it. Sustainable, affordable housing is a top priority for our community. Most South Bend residents want it to be easier and safer to get around without a car. At the same time, the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) is happening at scale. South Bend can take thoughtful action so that everyone can benefit and no one gets left behind in the green transition.

Resilience & Disaster Planning

Floods, extreme heat, poor air quality, and other climate impacts are already increasing in frequency and intensity. As more extreme weather becomes the norm, our communities face increasing expenses and health dangers. This is especially true for our most vulnerable neighbors. So, South Bend is focusing in on equitable disaster preparedness. We are increasing the resilience of our natural systems -- the “green” infrastructure of our city -- so that future generations will have a shady urban forest and drinkable, fishable, swimmable waters.

Email us with your feedback: CAP2024@southbendin.gov