Climate Action

Carbon Neutral by 2050

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What is Climate Action?

Climate action isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a public health and economic development necessity. Climate action is about creating green jobs and a new economy for the future while protecting the health of all Boiseans. The City of Boise is committed to taking immediate government and community action by collaborating with local partners, businesses, and individuals to move the needle on climate change.

Why Climate Action?

Climate change is continuing to shift the Treasure Valley's seasons, rainfall, snowpack, air quality and water availability. These changes impact the health, quality of life and livelihoods of us all.

The City of Boise is committed to taking action to address climate change, because our city's prosperity is directly linked to clean energy, clean air and water, and open space. By harnessing innovation, and the passion of the next generation, Boise will be a national climate leader.

QUICK LINKS

Text with image of Boise skyline. Text reads, "Carbon Neutral by 2050"

The Goal:
Carbon Neutral by 2050

In 2021, the City of Boise set a bold climate action goal to be carbon neutral by 2050. Being carbon neutral means eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by achieving the following benchmarks:

  • 2030: 100% Clean electricity for City of Boise government facilities
  • 2035:
    • Carbon neutral for City of Boise government facilities and operations
    • 100% Clean electricity for the Boise community
  • 2050: Carbon neutral for Boise community
Climate action timeline
Climate Roadmap Major Milestones

How We'll Get There

The recently developed Climate Action Roadmap provides a clear path to reaching carbon neutrality.

Research and Data

In 2000, the city began collecting research and data to develop a baseline of information to understand our current conditions and to determine where we can take action in mitigating climate change. The roadmap focuses on both eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and building resiliency so our city can adapt to climate changes in our region.

Review research and data

Explore the Roadmap

Get Involved

Climate action takes all of us: residents, organizations, and businesses. Sign up to support climate action and stay up to date with the latest climate news, blog posts, events and volunteer opportunities.

Sign Up

Take Climate Action Now!

Energy

Use Less Energy

  • Switch to LED lights
  • Adjust your thermostat by a few degrees
  • Install a digital programmable thermostat.
  • Replace old appliances and heating/cooling systems with energy efficient options
See More
Transportation

Drive Less and Travel Differently

  • Take one fewer vehicle trip each day
  • Use public transit, carpool, walk or bike
  • Purchase a carbon credit to offset the emissions from your air travel
  • Purchase an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle
See More
Waste

Reduce and Reuse

  • Shop for items and goods with less plastic
  • Shop locally reused products
  • Compost more! Increase your participation in the city’s compost program
  • Recycle better! Become an educated recycler
Learn More
Water

Conservation

Reduce water consumption in your home or business by:

  • Adjust faucets and fixtures
  • Change to low-water landscaping or xeriscaping
  • Keep pollution out of stormwater
  • Know what not to flush
  • Learn about your local water renewal services
See More

Climate Related Initiatives

Youth Climate Action Council
View of Boise from Trail with sun setting

Youth Climate Action Council

Diverse student leaders from Boise schools taking climate action.

Boise's Energy Future
Boise's Energy Future

Boise's Energy Future

Boise’s Energy Future is focused on setting measurable and achievable renewable energy and efficiency goals for the entire city.

https://bee.cityofboise.org/
Kids playing in water feature at the Boise WaterShed

Boise Environmental Education

Opportunities to learn about the local environment and sustainability.

https://city-of-trees-challenge-boise.hub.arcgis.com/
Trees in foreground with Boise skyline behind

City of Trees Challenge

Planting trees to offset carbon and provide tree canopy across the community.

America the Beautiful
America the Beautiful

America the Beautiful

A set of goals unique to Boise to preserve natural habitat and promote clean water.

Water Renewal Services
Water Renewal Services

Water Renewal Services

The City of Boise treats 10 billion gallons of water each year and continues to develop an innovative, long-range plan that will determine how to treat and renew the water our community uses.

Curb It
Curb It

Curb It

Boise's trash, recycling, compost and other solid waste program.

https://www.boiseartsandhistory.org/learn/cultural-planning/#publicworks
A ring of wood

Public Works Arts Plan

Calling artists to become impactful leaders by engaging community in environmental issues through art in the public infrastructure of the city.

Livability Reports

In 2015 and 2017, the City of Boise created livability reports to measure certain metrics that tie into the City of Boise’s current work related to Climate Action. Please follow the links below to view prior livability reports:

Land Acknowledgement

The City of Boise acknowledges the ancestral, cultural, traditional, and unceded territory of the Shoshone, Bannock, and Northern Paiute people on which the city is situated.

© 2022 City of Boise. All rights reserved.

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