The Boise City Council approved a bold vision for how it combats climate change by setting a goal of being carbon neutral by the year 2050.
In the unanimous vote, Boise leaders also set a higher standard for city government. Boise will meet the ambitious goal 15 years sooner.
Mayor Lauren McLean calls the vote historic and said climate change action is directly connected to the ability to sustain healthy communities and economies. The city hopes to be a climate leader for others to follow.
In 2016, the city commissioned a study to examine the possible impacts of climate change to the local environment and community health. Boise State University, the University of Idaho and another group concluded that climate change can lead to hotter summer days, poorer air quality, heavier rain seasons, earlier snow melt and more frequent droughts.
The city has been at work for years on finding solutions to scale back the effects of climate change. From reducing greenhouse gases to building more efficient buildings, Boise is also reimagining tools in transportation, waste, food, water and community engagement to help reverse the effects of climate change.
The climate action road map includes 100% clean electricity, the nation’s largest geothermal system, net-zero energy buildings, citywide compost initiatives, recycled water, green spaces, trail systems and extensive outreach and education programs. Residents can learn more about the program and actions they can take by going to the city’s website at cityofboise.org/climate.
Boise has a bright future, but it also has a lot going for it right now.
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