REGIONAL GOAL: Lead on climate

About this goal

The inheritors of our 2050 region are the youth of today, and we hear their urgency when it comes to the climate emergency our region is facing. We need rapid, decisive climate action at all levels of society, including across governments and across all sectors of our economy. Students like those in Roseville expect the Met Council to deliver meaningful change when it comes to climate action. We are fully committed to the youth of our region, and we plan to deliver on ensuring a resilient climate future.

Climate change is both a threat and opportunity for our region. If we plan for climate change now, we will not only thrive despite its impacts but can also create a more just, equitable, and climate resilient region for 2050 and beyond. The Metropolitan Council commits to working with local and Tribal government partners as well as non-profit partners and new stakeholders that seek to collaborate on climate solutions.

The Met Council’s climate work aligns with the State of Minnesota’s vision to be carbon neutral, resilient, and equitable.³ Minnesota makes a commitment to reduce statewide emissions 50% by 2030 (from 2005 levels), with a Statewide goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The Met Council’s climate commitments seek to advance the state’s goal and call for the region to reduce its emissions 50% by 2030 (from 2005 levels), with a region-wide goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Commitments

To achieve the climate goal, the Metropolitan Council makes the following commitments:

1. Reduce the region’s emissions 50% by 2030 (from 2005 levels) and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
2. Plan, build, and operate infrastructure to address present and anticipated climate challenges and increase regional resilience.
3. Acknowledge and remedy historic and ongoing environmental injustices to provide environmental benefits for all