Climate Action
Human activities are rapidly increasing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, trapping heat and driving climate change. These changes impact us globally, nationally, and right here in Tacoma. Our city’s natural ecosystems, infrastructure, and the health of our communities are at risk.
What Does Climate Change Mean for Tacoma?
Tacoma faces several vulnerabilities due to climate change, including:
- Rising summer temperatures, particularly in urban areas
- Increased wildfire smoke affecting air quality and health
- Rising sea levels leading to flooding, coastal erosion, and habitat loss in tidal flats
- Reduced snowpack, which impacts freshwater availability, winter recreation, and salmon populations
- Changing stream flow and temperature from faster snowmelt and altered rain patterns
- Heavier rainstorms and more frequent extreme weather
The City of Tacoma is actively working to mitigate climate change with aggressive carbon reduction targets and progress tracking on key environmental actions. Learn more about our efforts below.
Climate Resolutions and Inititiatives
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In December 2019, City Council approved Resolution No. 40509, declaring a climate emergency in Tacoma, and affirming Council’s support of initiatives that mitigate impacts. Read more.
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The City of Tacoma is updating the Environmental Action Plan through a new climate action planning process. The updated plan is anticipated to be finalized in mid-2025. Read more.
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This strategy was developed in 2021 to understand Tacoma’s climate vulnerabilities, and to help the City continue to invest in a climate-resilient and climate-smart future by building on our long history of climate action. Read more.
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An inventory of our City and community greenhouse gas emissions is conducted every few years to monitor the sources of our emissions and to better understand the effectiveness of the actions we are taking to reduce emissions. Read more.
Commitment to Decarbonization
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A resolution to reduce the City’s carbon footprint by limiting natural gas and fossil fuel use in City buildings and future projects. It also encourages other local areas to follow suit and explores the impact of applying similar restrictions to new commercial and residential construction. Read more.
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The Tacoma Community Building Decarbonization Strategy outlines a comprehensive, data-driven plan to phase out fossil-fuel appliances and decarbonize residential and commercial buildings by 2050 while addressing the needs of frontline communities most impacted by climate change. Read more.
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The City of Tacoma’s Decarbonization Study, conducted in collaboration with McKinstry, offers strategic guidance on decarbonizing city facilities, provides recommendations for prioritizing projects, managing assets, and planning capital improvements to meet Tacoma’s carbon reduction goals. Read more.