History and key documents of climate planning and action in Portland

Local carbon emissions

Portland has been working to address climate change for more than 25 years, with local emissions declining from their peak in 2000. Among other factors, these reductions are due to a combination of:

• Improved efficiency in buildings, appliances and vehicles.
• A shift to lower-carbon energy sources like wind, solar and biodiesel.
• More walking, biking and public transit.
• Reduced methane emissions from landfills and more composting and recycling.

In 2017, total carbon emissions in Multnomah County were 15 percent below 1990 levels. 

Since 1990, Portland has welcomed 38 percent more people and 34 percent more jobs while carbon emissions have fallen 38 percent on a per person basis. This trajectory demonstrates that it is possible to achieve significant carbon emission reductions while growing the economy and population. However, local carbon reductions have plateaued and will require bold new action and investments to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050, the goal of the Paris Climate Agreement. 

Climate Emergency Declaration Resolution

 Climate Emergency Declaration (2020)

Climate action plans

Resiliency and preparation

Equity

Progress reports