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Community & Equity

A Cleaner, Healthier Environment for Every Neighborhood.

To ensure our region reduces emissions and modernizes fairly, this plan prioritizes communities that face the highest risks. Because of past policies that left some neighborhoods behind, efforts must focus resources where they are needed most.

Top Concerns From Residents

86%

Air Quality Concerns

20%

Drought

55%

Wildfire Smoke

74%

Severe Thunderstorms

36%

Flooding

43%

Extreme Heat

54%

Severe Winter Weather

60%

Water Pollution

Climate Vulnerability Index Score by Census Tract

Climate vulnerability is the measure of how likely a person or neighborhood is to be harmed by environmental hazards based on their exposure to risks and their access to the resources needed to recover. A higher climate vulnerability index score means a neighborhood is more likely to suffer serious harm from environmental changes like extreme heat or flooding.
Climate Vulnerability Index
Figure 14

The Benefits of Taking Action

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Cleaner Air

Between 82% and 99% of the benefits from cleaner air will happen in climate-vulnerable communities.

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Healthier Families:

Reducing air pollution means fewer cases of asthma, heart disease, and lung problems for the people who have suffered the most in the past.

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Lower Energy Costs

Incentive programs help residents upgrade their homes with better insulation and modern appliances, lowering energy costs.

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Cooling & Green Space

Planting trees and expanding parks provides natural shade and cooler air. This protects residents from extreme summer heat and provides the health benefits of spending time outdoors.

Community Impact & Inclusive Implementation

Equity Requires Different Solutions for Different Places
 

NEIGHBORHOOD TYPE

THE CHALLENGE

THE EQUITABLE SOLUTION

Legacy Cities

High pollution, aging housing, lack of green space

Industrial cleanup, home weatherization/ upgrades, expanding green space

First-Ring Suburbs

Aging infrastructure & transit gaps.

Expanded bike lanes, rail and bus lines & home weatherization/upgrades

Rural Townships

Isolation & storm risks.

Resilient power grids & farm-based energy.

*The CCAP and Implementation Playbook have outlined detailed issues and solutions for legacy cities, first/second/outerring suburbs, established cities and rural townships

Conclusion & Next Steps

Our region faces an urgent need to reduce pollution to protect communities and the environment, but this challenge is also a tremendous opportunity. By taking bold, coordinated action across energy, transportation, waste, and industry, while centering equity and community engagement, we can build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future for all residents.

Explore the full Cleveland Climate Action Plan (CCAP) and its Implementation Playbook to access current data, navigate challenges and solutions, learn how to lead your community toward a cleaner and more equitable future. (See last page of this document)

 

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Residents/Community Groups

  • Learn about your neighborhood’s plan, or start one!
  • Advocate for local projects
  • Join green job training
  • Take advantage of incentive programs
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Businesses & Industry

  • Learn about your city’s plan, or advocate to start one!
  • Find funding for upgrades
  • Switch to clean energy
  • Create green jobs
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Local Governments

  • Access planning tools
  • Fund community projects
  • Measure equity and progress