Acknowledging that climate change makes the challenges today even harder to fix, the Climate Justice Plan (CJP) presents solutions that address the needs of people experiencing the worst harm from the climate crisis, and provide benefits for all. By working together for clean air and water, more trees and shade, clean and renewable energy, and a sense of shared purpose and participation, our entire community will experience abundance.
The goals of the Multnomah County Climate Justice Plan
We envision a Multnomah County where climate justice is possible. Community members and local government staff have created the following goals for our community, where:
- Every community member has the opportunity to contribute to climate justice in Multnomah County.
- Every community member has access to wealth-building opportunities and green jobs.
- Every community member has access to affordable, reliable, and safe transit, biking, and pedestrian infrastructure.
- Every community member has access to nutritious, culturally-specific food and can participate in traditional food practices.
- Every community member has access to affordable clean energy.
- Every community member is safe from the risks posed by fossil fuels and energy infrastructure.
- Every community member has access to clean water that supports their needs and all living systems.
- Every community member breathes clean and healthy air.
- Every community member is resilient to extreme weather events and other climate threats.
- Every community member has safe, healthy, and affordable housing.
- Every community member is surrounded by and connected to nature, parks, and green infrastructure.
- Every community member has access to the resources and underlying conditions that promote health and well being.
Who is co-creating the plan
A Steering Committee leads the plan development, bringing a range of perspectives and experiences to ensure it is equitable, inclusive, and effective. The plan builds on years of community engagement. Steering committee members include:
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- Community Energy Project
- Coalition of Communities of Color
- NAACP
- Multnomah Youth Commission
- Neighbors for Clean Air
- NW Energy Coalition
- Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility
- Rahab's Sisters
- Self Enhancement, Inc.
- Unite Oregon
- Verde
- Multnomah County
- City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
Climate justice plan priorities
By using a justice-centered approach, a comprehensive CJP will be developed to address the climate crisis in Multnomah County. The CJP will:
- Prioritize the needs of historically marginalized communities and ensure environmental justice,
- Help our community to work toward building a more resilient and pollution-free future in Multnomah County,
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and increase community preparedness for climate-related impacts,
- Prioritize community-driven solutions, and amplify community power, voice, and leadership, and
- Foster shared decision making and collaboration between government, community organizations, and residents to identify and implement climate solutions.
Climate justice plan outcomes
Our pursuit of climate justice will result in a community that benefits from:
- Reduced negative impacts of climate change on frontline communities.
- Improved air quality, water quality, and access to green spaces and healthy homes.
- New green jobs and support for sustainable economic development.
- Enhanced ability to adapt to and transform from climate-related disasters.
Who can use the plan
- Government policies and resource allocation can be guided to address climate change.
- Community organizations can collaborate on climate action projects and advocate for policy changes.
- Residents can be informed and participate in collective action.
Get the Climate Justice Plan summary: