About the Long Beach Climate Action Plan (LB CAP)
Long Beach strives to be a more sustainable and resilient city in the face of climate change impacts such as air pollution, extreme heat, drought, coastal storm surge, and sea level rise. The Long Beach Climate Action Plan (LB CAP), also known as the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, was adopted by the City Council on August 16, 2022, and is Long Beach’s first-ever climate action plan. The LB CAP will help to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, prepare the community for the impacts of climate change, improve the quality of life, and enhance economic vitality in Long Beach.Residents, business owners, students, and other community stakeholders are encouraged to continue to shape the implementation of the LB CAP, as this is just the beginning of an ongoing, collaborative process to make Long Beach a safer, healthier, and more sustainable place to live, work, and play. Help be a climate changemaker in your community!
What is the LB CAP?
One of the primary goals outlined in the LB CAP is for the City to reach net-zero emissions by 2045. The City is tracking its emissions and progress towards that goal through our Climate Portal. LB CAP implementation updates are provided regularly through annual Climate Portal updates, biannual GHG inventory reports, LB CAP Annual Reports, and at regular meetings of the Climate Resilient & Sustainable City Commission.
Read the LB CAP and view the latest updates.
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to the significant and long-term shifts in Earth’s temperature and weather patterns. Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, have largely contributed to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The use of fossil fuel energy has been emitting heat-trapping pollution into the atmosphere that creates a thick blanket around the Earth. The concentration of this pollution is causing our planet to overheat and has already created irreversible damage. 
Learn more about how climate change will affect Long Beach.
Climate Mitigation vs. Climate Adaptation
Climate mitigation refers to actions taken to address the causes of climate change and reduce the impact we (people) have on the climate system (e.g., adoption of energy-efficient components and systems, including buildings, vehicles, and appliances).
Climate adaptation refers to adjusting our behaviors, systems, and infrastructure to reduce the impact climate change has on us. There are three types of adaptation strategies - structural, natural, and community-based.
Learn more about LB CAP Mitigation and Adaptation Actions.
Why is the City Prioritizing Climate Action?
In addition to being concerned about the impacts of climate change, implementing the LB CAP will help Long Beach meet its obligations to the State of California. The City is obligated under the California Environmental Quality Act, AB 32 (The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006), SB 375 (The Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008), and various California Executive orders to do its part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. California Senate Bill 379 requires cities and counties to include climate adaptation and resiliency strategies in their general plans to ensure safety and protection of their community in the future.
In November 2015, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia signed an official commitment to the Compact of Mayors (now called the Global Covenant of Mayors), a global coalition working to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate change. In order to comply with Compact requirements, the City of Long Beach must establish a plan for climate action and a plan for adaptation.
LB CAP's Alignment with State Policies
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Long Beach CA, 90802
