Cincinnati’s plans to tackle climate change and advance environmental justice are getting noticed.
The World Wildlife Fund, an international conservation organization, recently took an in-depth look at Cincinnati’s environmental efforts, noting that midsize cities like Cincinnati are leading sustainable innovation because they most feel the ripple effects from climate change. And as the coronavirus pandemic rages on, these cities are affected in ways many people don’t realize, the organization writes.
In its investigation, WWF pays particular attention to the Green Cincinnati Plan from the city’s Office of Environment and Sustainability. Last updated in 2018, the plan offers 80 recommendations and 26 measurable goals to reduce the city’s carbon emissions 80% by 2050 and aims city government toward running solely on renewable energy by 2035.
WWF notes that the plan is progressing.
Adopted by the City Council as a 5-year outline, their plan is currently on track; 28 municipal facilities already run entirely on renewables and the construction of what will be the largest city-led array of solar panels in the country is underway.
In the article, WWF also highlights Cincinnati green efforts within vulnerable communities, noting that environmental issues disproportionately affect neighborhoods that already are at risk and lack resources, often because of racist housing practices in decades past. WWF notes actions like adding trees so that the canopy cools the area as well as partnerships that ease residents’ energy burdens through infrastructure and programs.
WWF also comments on Cincinnati’s expanding transit initiatives, bike trails and electric vehicle support.
