Mesa City Council approves climate plan promoting sustainable growth

PHOENIX– The Mesa City Council voted Monday to approve a new climate action plan, which will act as a blueprint for sustainable growth and reducing carbon pollution.

The plan involves four methods for the city to explore in order to meet carbon neutrality, renewable energy, materials management and community action goals.

“I am proud the city of Mesa has made a commitment to a climate action plan,” Vice Mayor and Councilmember Jen Duff said in a press release Monday.

“Around the world we are seeing the impacts of climate change. In Arizona we’re experiencing record drought, extreme temperatures and increased wildfires. We must do our part in joining the global community to mitigate climate change, prepare and adapt for our future.”

The plan hopes to reach carbon neutrality in official city operations as well as completely prioritize the utilization of renewable energy by 2050, according to the release.

Mesa will additionally divert approximately 90% of waste from the landfill by 2050 and develop community-based activities to support the climate plan.

City departments are to particularly analyze the energy, air quality, heat mitigation, water stewardship and food systems, according to the release.

The climate action plan will continue to develop and expand as new partnerships and technologies become involved.