Climate Action 2050 Plan

Plan Overview

Milwaukee County Climate Action 2050 (CA50) Plan

A 2021 report by the United Nations suggested that the window to avoid the worst impacts of climate change is rapidly closing. To keep global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century, the world must reduce carbon emissions at least 43% by 2030 relative to 2010.

To meet the magnitude of the climate crisis, Milwaukee County has developed a bold plan to reduce carbon emissions from county operations and adapt to climate change. The Climate Action 2050 Plan will serve as a roadmap for Milwaukee County to:

1. Achieve 'carbon neutrality', or zero net carbon emissions, in county operations no later than 2050
2. Improve the resiliency of county operations and the community to climate change
3. Align Milwaukee County's climate initiatives with Milwaukee County's Vision to become the healthiest county in Wisconsin by achieving racial equity

Planning Principles

A Sept. 2021 report to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors defines a Planning Framework, guiding principles for the Climate Action 2050 Plan. In support of Milwaukee County's Vision for achieving racial equity, and its commitment to carbon-neutral operations, the plan will:

• Prioritize projects that produce co-benefits to populations who are disproportionately impacted by climate change
• Identify and involve internal and external stakeholders
• Align with Milwaukee County's core functions, missions and priorities
• Leverage existing plans, initiatives and resources to build a shared commitment to climate action across county departments, community partners and the general public

The planning process has been coordinated by Milwaukee County's Office of Sustainability and guided by the Sustainability Task Force. Other stakeholders include but are not limited to Milwaukee County elected officials, administrators, and staff, as well as residents, businesses and community members.

Plan Reports

Milwaukee County Climate Action 2050 (CA50) Plan

• Planning Framework (September 2021) - report from the Sustainability Task Force
• Community Engagement Strategy (December 2022) 
• Emissions Assessment (June 2023) 
• Vulnerability Assessment (July 2023). See FAQs

Planning Timeline

1. ✓Completed  Sep. 2022: Kickoff Meeting with the Sustainability Task Force
2. ✓Completed  Dec. 2022: Community Engagement Strategy
3. ✓Completed  May 2023: Community Workshops #1 and #2
4. ✓Completed  June 2023: Emissions Assessment
5. ✓Completed  July 2023: Vulnerability Assessment and FAQs
6. ✓Completed  Sept 2023: Community Webinar
7. ✓Completed  July 2024: Draft Climate Action Strategies List
8. ✓Completed  Jan. 2025: First Draft Climate Action 2050 Plan
9. Remaining✓Complet   April 24, 2025: Board Adoption of Climate Action 2050 Plan 

✓ completed  

Community Events

Since September 2022, Milwaukee County has hosted several events for community members to learn about and help shape the Climate Action 2050 Plan (see Timeline tab). In coming months, we'll be soliciting county residents' ideas for possible emissions reduction strategies. More information will be posted here soon!

If you would like to be notified of the Climate Action 2050 Plan events, and receive general updates about Milwaukee County sustainability initiatives, please subscribe to the Office of Sustainability newsletter. 

Meetings of the Sustainability Task Force are always open to the public. Learn when the group will meet, and review its past meeting agendas and minutes, via Milwaukee County's Legislative Calendar.

Please direct any questions or concerns about the Climate Action 2050 Plan to [email protected].