In June of 2017, City Council committed to creating a climate action plan (CAP) for the city of Northfield. This commitment is reflected in the Strategic Plan for 2018-2020 and will be carried out by a Climate Action Planning Advisory Board (CAPAB) appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council.
In November 2019, the Northfield City Council adopted the Northfield Climate Action Plan (CAP).
CAP Key Points:
1) The plan has two sections: carbon mitigation and resilience / adaptation. Mitigation is focused on reducing carbon emissions. Resilience and adaptation define Northfield’s vulnerabilities to the impacts of climate change and how to mitigate those risks.
2) The plan defines two key targets: 100% Carbon Free Electricity by 2030 and being a 100% Carbon Free Community by 2040. Some strategies are well-defined and others are yet to be determined as policies and technology evolve over time.
3) The CAP action framework includes near -term priorities(1-3 year) and longer term strategies related to energy, transportation, water, land, food and waste are organized under the following umbrella categories:
- Education and Engagement
- Policy and Planning
- Demonstration and Innovation
- Sustaining the Plan
Get involved!
1) Sustainability website – Visit the City of Northfield sustainability website to learn about Climate Action Plan events and updates. To get updates by text or email, click “Receive Updates” button on the City’s homepage and click “sustainability in both the News Flash and Calendar sections.
2) Volunteer – Beth Kallestad, the City’s Program Coordinator, is working to build teams that will shepherd implementation. To get involved with action teams and volunteer efforts, contact Beth at: beth.kallestad@ci.northfield.mn.us
3) Attend EQC Meetings – the Northfield Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) has been tasked with overseeing Climate Action Plan implementation. Attend a meeting or apply to join the committee.
Greater Northfield Sustainability Collaborative will continue to provide resources and information throughout the plan implementation.
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How Will Climate Change Affect Northfield?
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Climate Action Planning Resources
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Examples of Climate Action Plans
City Resources:
- City of Northfield’s Strategic Plan Summary 2018-2020
- Comprehensive Plan for the City of Northfield
- Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance (CNCA) and Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN)
- American Planners Association (APA) and climate change resources
- Xcel Partners in Energy Program