November 4, 2019

The Mayor Pete Buttigieg administration has released Carbon Neutral 2050, a climate action plan for the City of South Bend. The Carbon Neutral 2050 Plan sets ambitious community-wide goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, first targeting a 26% reduction by 2025, to demonstrate South Bend’s willingness to honor the U.S. commitment to the Paris Agreement. The implementation of these goals aims to culminate in South Bend becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

The plan targets transportation and energy use in buildings, which were found to be the largest sources of GHGs in South Bend. Strategies were prioritized for their ability to provide the most substantial emissions cuts while maximizing benefits to residents and businesses. Carbon Neutral 2050 will be a living document, updated at regular intervals to reflect the fast pace of change.

“South Bend’s Carbon Neutral 2050 Plan sets a series of ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions from local sources and lays out a high-level plan to address them,” said Mayor Pete Buttigieg. “We will need everyone – every worker and resident and student, every business and institution and school – to support these ambitious goals and bring these strategies to bear. Together, we must continue to work tirelessly to create a South Bend where our children and grandchildren can thrive.”

Sustainability Director Therese Dorau said, “The Carbon Neutral 2050 plan is responsive to the priorities and values of our community and reflects the urgency of the climate crisis. We look forward to working with Council, community members and other partners to implement the impactful strategies outlined in this action plan.”

The South Bend Common Council and members of the community supported the creation of the climate action plan. The Common Council’s Health and Public Safety Committee will host a special meeting to provide an overview of the plan and opportunity for public comment on Monday, November 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Council chambers on the fourth floor of the County-City Building.

“Having heard constituents’ calls for local action on climate change, and knowing that addressing climate issues will support the development of a livable, sustainable city with a strong economy and high quality of life, I am happy to share Carbon Neutral 2050, a plan for climate action in South Bend,” said Councilmember Jo M. Broden. “The Council will consider formally adopting this plan as early as November 25 to affirm our support of the administration as it pursues clear, measurable action on climate change.”

View Carbon Neutral 2050.

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