Cindy Comerford and Elizabeth Stamp present Climate Action Plan updates and community feedback

San Francisco is taking significant strides in its climate initiatives as the city prepares to finalize its 2025 Climate Action Plan. During a recent government meeting, climate program manager Cindy Comerford and senior climate action coordinator Elizabeth Stamp provided an update on the progress made since the last report on the 2021 Climate Action Plan and outlined the next steps for the upcoming plan.

The city has been actively engaging with the community over the past ten months to gather input for the 2025 plan. This outreach included various events, workshops, and online surveys, resulting in over 700 comments from residents. The feedback will be instrumental in shaping the final draft of the plan, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 and a 61% reduction in emissions by 2030.

Stamp highlighted that while many actions from the 2021 plan are on track, some face delays primarily due to funding challenges. The city is committed to addressing these barriers and is working on integrating community-led solutions, such as local solar initiatives and green job creation, particularly in historically underserved areas.

A key focus of the upcoming plan is ensuring racial and social equity. The city is conducting a thorough review to assess the potential impacts of climate actions on vulnerable communities, ensuring that environmental justice is prioritized throughout the plan's strategies.

As the city moves forward, the final draft of the Climate Action Plan is expected to be published by the end of the year, incorporating public input and equity recommendations. This proactive approach underscores San Francisco's commitment to sustainable development and community engagement in tackling climate change.