Accelerating city climate planning and action in an era of historic federal investment

Tuesday, September 27, 2022, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT
Online: https://www.brookings.edu/events/accelerating-city-climate-planning-and-action-in-an-era-of-historical-federal-investment/ 

The urgency of climate change demands a proactive response—not just driven by major federal initiatives such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), but also delivered through plans and actions in cities. As the country’s primary economic and population centers, cities generate most greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and absorb most climate-related costs, from floods to fires to droughts. To reduce these costs and amplify benefits, cities need to reduce emissions—or decarbonize—their built environment. Collectively, the transportation, buildings, and electricity sectors produce nearly two-thirds of national GHG emissions. Achieving those reductions, though, will require more than wishful thinking or simply relying on new federal rules and funding. Local planners and practitioners need to coordinate on new infrastructure investments.

On Tuesday, September 27, Brookings Metro will host an event to examine how city leaders can accelerate climate planning and action in the current era of historical federal investment. The event will build off the forthcoming Brookings Metro report, “The missing middle of decarbonization: Exploring gaps in city climate planning and the need for regional action,” which analyzes the implementation potential of 50 different city climate plans. In addition to a presentation of the report’s major findings, the event will feature remarks from federal leaders on challenges and opportunities to advance climate action across the country, and a panel of local leaders discussing needs around goal setting, strategy execution, funding projects, and expanding equity.

Viewers can submit questions for the panelists via email to events@brookings.edu or by tweeting @BrookingsMetro using #CityClimatePlanning.