As Minnesotans, we see evidence of climate change all around us – and the resulting changes in our economy, environment and well-being. More frequent and intense storms are damaging our infrastructure and natural resources. Western wildfires have brought unhealthy air alerts to our state. And our continued reliance on fossil fuels threatens communities’ health, safety and freedom to drink clean water and breathe clean air.
In September, the state of Minnesota released the revised version of its Climate Action Framework, which adopts the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendations in line with President Biden’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Rather than proposing a detailed action plan, the framework sets forth a vision and high-level recommendations for the state to meet the IPCC goals in six priority categories:
1) Clean economy,
2) Resilient communities,
3) Healthy lives and communities,
4) Clean transportation,
5) Climate-smart natural and working lands, and
6) Clean energy and efficient buildings.
Sierra Club staff, volunteers and members participated in the stakeholder process to give input on the draft Framework released in early 2022, and recommendations for strengthening it.
The resulting 69-page “roadmap” is wide-ranging. We support many aspects of the Framework, including the adoption of the IPCC’s strong and science-based emissions reduction targets.
Legislation that we have championed – such as bills to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040; rapidly expand public transit and transportation options; and ensure that environmental justice communities are prioritized for climate investments – will be necessary to move the framework forward and we applaud the reflection of those policies in the Framework.
At the same time, some elements of the Framework fall far short of what’s needed; favor “false” solutions; or may even cause greater harm to our planet or to communities that have been most harmed by environmental injustices.
Finally, Minnesota has in the past drafted climate plans and set priorities for climate action and has failed to follow through.
While the Framework left us wanting for stronger benchmarks and clearly defined actions, we view this as an opportunity and a call to action – for all activists, concerned Minnesotans and environmental champions to step up. Let’s hold state leaders to the laudable values in the Framework – and keep agitating and organizing for the bold, courageous action that is needed, at the scale and scope that will save our futures.