Webinar transcript

Each of northeastern Illinois’ 7 counties and 284 municipalities has a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but not everyone knows where to begin. During this CMAP Talks webinar, panelists discussed how communities can take climate action and resources you can use. 

What was the main takeaway? A lot of the groundwork is already done: 

1. Review the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Climate Action Plan for the Chicago Region to learn how your community can start.

2. Use the data in your local emissions summary to prioritize where you can make the biggest difference.

Panelists included Deb Kutska, who manages sustainability programs for municipalities and residents in Cook County; Edith Makra, who led the creation of the first climate action plan for the Chicago region with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus; and Kim Stone, who sits on the Highland Park city council and serves as co-chair for Go Green Illinois. CMAP senior planner Jared Patton moderated the discussion.

Program and resources mentioned in the webinar

Illinois/region

• Regional greenhouse gas emissions inventory

• Local greenhouse gas emissions summaries

• Greenest Region Compact

• Climate Action Plan for the Chicago Region

• Go Green Illinois

• Clean Energy and Jobs Act

• Stretch building codes

Cook County

• Clean Energy Plan

• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Program

• Healthy Homes for Healthy Families

• Renewable Energy Subsidy Program

• Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) Program

• Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) Program

• Climate Resiliency Planning for Communities