City of Mesa
Home MenuThe City created the Mesa Climate Action Plan (MCAP), a Mayor and Council priority initiative, as our commitment to proactively and responsibly protect and conserve Mesa’s environment and natural resources. We set forth ambitious, community-focused goals that will contribute to the overall climate impact for Mesa.
This is the second version of the MCAP, updated in June 2022, that reflects the community’s vision to enhance quality of life, embrace smart City innovation, and improve social equity for a vibrant healthy future for Mesa. The City will be leading by example through projects and programs that will achieve progress toward these goals based on data and targeted strategies.
Aspirational Goals
The Plan has listed four ‘Aspirational Goals’ that will be used as a guide for our vision for the future:
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Carbon Neutrality
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Renewable Energy
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Materials Management
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Climate Ready Community
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Focus Areas
The Climate Action Plan focuses on 6 areas to ensure that, together, we are working toward a healthy, climate-ready community. Find a list of helpful links under each focus area below. You’ll also find more info on our Sustainability Page and on our Green Building and Green Business pages.
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Other links to visit for community action:
Additional sites include: ASU Sustainable Cities Network, Phoenix Climate Action Plan, Climate Change Handbook: A Citizen’s Guide to Thoughtful Action, How to be Engaged with Your Local Government on Sustainable Development, and EPA Frequently Asked Questions about Climate Change.
What is a Climate Action Plan?
The Climate Action Plan is our commitment to proactively and responsibly protect and conserve Mesa’s environment and natural resources. Through the Plan, we will implement mitigation and adaption strategies, implement intentional policy direction, and support the advancement of innovative technologies. In the next phase of the Plan, we will work with community stakeholders, staff and a technical consultant to develop a collective vision on how we will make Mesa a more vibrant, prosperous, and thriving city for generations to come.
What is Next in the process?
Mesa completed the first version of the Plan that identified targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developed strategies to increase sustainability in all City operations. Mesa sought community input and engagement through a series of in-person meetings and lunchtime webinars, as well as a comprehensive climate action plan survey. The feedback collected from this engagement will be used to develop the next phase of the plan.
A Commitment to Equity
The city is committed to a climate action planning process, plan, and policy decisions that incorporate social equity and consider residents that are most vulnerable to climate change. We are looking for community partners to help us engage with all members of our community in this planning process. Help us by sharing information and this website with your colleagues, neighbors, and local nonprofits.
If your group would like to help share information or provide recommendations on who should be included in this process, please let us know at Environ.Info@MesaAZ.gov.
Climate Change in Mesa
Climate change is a long-term change to the usual weather patterns found in a region, such as temperature and rainfall, caused in large part by human activity. In Mesa, we see evidence of climate change in the steady rise in daytime and overnight temperatures, shifts in rainfall, more severe weather events, and other fluctuations of the climate system.
View our ‘Healthy Environment’ Open Data Portal for current City metrics and trends.
Statewide & Regional Climate Change
Data collected by the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shows that 2020 was the 2nd warmest year recorded in the history of Phoenix, AZ and the 2nd driest.
Live Green!
Interested in sustainability, green ideas and protecting the natural environment? There are so many resources available for creating a better community, boosting economic growth, and promoting a vibrant social network. Even the smallest act can make a big difference. Visit our sustainability page where you'll find lots of simple choices for your next step - finding ways to make a positive impact!
“We have a responsibility to future generations to pass along a community that is healthy at every level.” —Mayor John Giles