--- title: Go Big Strategies description: These six strategies are the most compelling, forward-looking ideas for a better tomorrow --- [Skip to main content](http://neoclimateaction.org/go-big#main-content) ![NOACA\_CLEVELAND-logos](https://neoclimateaction.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NOACA_CLEVELAND-logos.png?width=255&height=48&name=NOACA_CLEVELAND-logos.png) ![NOACA\_CLEVELAND-logos](https://neoclimateaction.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NOACA_CLEVELAND-logos.png?width=230&height=43&name=NOACA_CLEVELAND-logos.png) ![NOACA\_CLEVELAND-logos](https://neoclimateaction.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NOACA_CLEVELAND-logos.png?width=300&height=57&name=NOACA_CLEVELAND-logos.png) ![NOACA\_CLEVELAND-logos](https://neoclimateaction.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NOACA_CLEVELAND-logos.png?width=240&height=45&name=NOACA_CLEVELAND-logos.png) - [Home](http://neoclimateaction.org) - [Challenge](http://neoclimateaction.org/the-challenge) - [Our Progress](http://neoclimateaction.org/progress) - [The Plan](http://neoclimateaction.org/the-plan) - [Go Big](http://neoclimateaction.org/go-big) - [Show submenu for Take Action Take Action](http://neoclimateaction.org/take-action) - [Residential Actions](http://neoclimateaction.org/take-action-residents) - [Govt Actions](http://neoclimateaction.org/take-action-local-governments) - [Business Actions](http://neoclimateaction.org/take-action-businesses) - [Equity](http://neoclimateaction.org/equity) - [Resources](http://neoclimateaction.org/resources) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](http://neoclimateaction.org) - [Challenge](http://neoclimateaction.org/the-challenge) - [Our Progress](http://neoclimateaction.org/progress) - [The Plan](http://neoclimateaction.org/the-plan) - [Go Big](http://neoclimateaction.org/go-big) - Show submenu for Take Action Take Action - Take Action - [Take Action](http://neoclimateaction.org/take-action) - [Residential Actions](http://neoclimateaction.org/take-action-residents) - [Govt Actions](http://neoclimateaction.org/take-action-local-governments) - [Business Actions](http://neoclimateaction.org/take-action-businesses) - [Equity](http://neoclimateaction.org/equity) - [Resources](http://neoclimateaction.org/resources) # GO BIG STRATEGIES #### Regional Energy & Industry The CCAP has over 60 ways to cut emissions, but six main “Go Big Strategies” are the most powerful, offering big environmental benefits and the potential to boost local economic growth. ### PERRY NUCLEAR EXPANSION #### (EXPANDING ZERO-CARBON ELECTRICITY) **The Perry Nuclear Power Plant in Lake County is a key asset that can expand to help the region decarbonize its electricity supply.** **Emissions impact:** Produces large amounts of electricity without adding carbon pollution **Why it matters:** Provides reliable power, especially as more solar and wind come online **Who’s involved:** Local utilities, government regulators, and trained workers **Community Benefit:** Energy reliability, long-term skilled jobs, stable electricity prices   ![CCAP-imagePerry Nuclear Plant-p89-1](https://neoclimateaction.org/hs-fs/hubfs/CCAP-imagePerry%20Nuclear%20Plant-p89-1.jpg?width=600&height=600&name=CCAP-imagePerry%20Nuclear%20Plant-p89-1.jpg) ![offshore-wind-1](https://neoclimateaction.org/hs-fs/hubfs/offshore-wind-1.jpg?width=600&height=600&name=offshore-wind-1.jpg) ### OFFSHORE WIND (LAKE ERIE) #### (NEW CLEAN ENERGY + REGIONAL INDUSTRY) **Offshore wind in Lake Erie can provide large-scale clean electricity, create local jobs, and establish the region as a leader in a growing renewable energy industry, though it faces federal regulatory and permitting challenges.** **Emissions impact:** Large-scale clean electricity that complements nuclear and solar **Why it matters:** Port redevelopment; manufacturing, fabrication, and logistics jobs; supply chain opportunities for Northeast Ohio firms **Who’s involved:** Federal, state & regional agencies, port authorities,  manufacturers, labor & workforce programs **Community Benefit:** Waterfront communities, industrial corridors, and port workers/trades ### NET-ZERO STEELMAKING #### (HARD-TO-ABATE INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATION) **Steel production causes around one-third of regional industrial emissions from using fossil fuels to convert iron ore into steel.** **Emissions impact:** Cuts one of the region’s largest single sources of  industrial pollution. **Why it matters:** Keeps heavy industry viable while reducing greenhouse gases and improving  air quality. **Who’s involved:** Manufacturers, labor, energy providers **Community Benefit:** Supports worker health, cleaner air, and the long-term competitiveness of regional industry ![Steel9666-1](https://neoclimateaction.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Steel9666-1.jpg?width=600&height=600&name=Steel9666-1.jpg) ### PASSENGER RAIL EXPANSION & TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS **Passenger rail makes it easier and cheaper to get around, cuts traffic and pollution, and brings new jobs and opportunities to our communities** **Emissions impact:** Reduces transportation emissions by shifting people from cars to shared rail, addressing travel at the system level rather than just cleaner vehicles. **Why it matters:** Provides a long-term solution to traffic, pollution, and high emissions tied to daily commuting and regional travel patterns, while making travel faster, easier, and more affordable. **Who’s involved:** Transit agencies, regional planners, state and local governments,  transportation authorities, and community partners. **Community Benefit of Increased Rail Public Transportation:** Better access to jobs, schools, and training, Lower household transportation costs, cleaner air and improved public health, reduced traffic congestion and safer streets, stronger local economies and transit-oriented development, more equitable access for non-drivers (seniors, students, people with disabilities), lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved quality of life and mobility for residents. | ###### TRANSPORTATION PRODUCES THE MOST EMISSIONS IN THE REGION (29% OF THE TOTAL) BECAUSE HOW AND WHERE WE TRAVEL, OUR ROADS, CITIES, AND DAILY ROUTINES, MATTER JUST AS MUCH AS THE TYPE OF VEHICLES WE DRIVE. | | --- | The current rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system only serves a small part of the region, connecting just 4 of 18 job hubs and mostly staying within Cuyahoga County. Implementing the proposed, expanded BRT network would reach 13 job hubs and better connect growing suburban communities. An expanded BRT network would significantly boost transit ridership and connect more residents to major job centers across Northeast Ohio. [![Existing & Proposed Commuter Transit Expansion](https://neoclimateaction.org/hs-fs/hubfs/9-19.png?width=1577&height=1216&name=9-19.png)](https://neoclimateaction.org/hubfs/9-19.png?hsLang=en) [![Pedestrian Improvement Projects](https://neoclimateaction.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Fig32.jpg?width=1972&height=1676&name=Fig32.jpg)](https://neoclimateaction.org/hubfs/Fig32.jpg?hsLang=en) [![Existing and Planned Bicycle Projects](https://neoclimateaction.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Fig31.jpg?width=1716&height=1484&name=Fig31.jpg)](https://neoclimateaction.org/hubfs/Fig31.jpg?hsLang=en) ![carbon-storage-sm](https://neoclimateaction.org/hs-fs/hubfs/carbon-storage-sm.png?width=452&height=452&name=carbon-storage-sm.png) | ##### DIRECT AIR CAPTURE IS LIKE A GIANT VACUUM FOR CARBON POLLUTION, EXPENSIVE TODAY, BUT ONE OF THE ONLY TOOLS THAT CAN ACTUALLY REMOVE CO2 ALREADY IN THE AIR. | | --- |   ### ENGINEERED CARBON CAPTURE: DIRECT AIR CAPTURE (DAC) **DAC removes CO2 directly from the air and stores it permanently or reuses it in products. While it can be built almost anywhere and run continuously, carbon removal should be used mainly for emissions that cannot be eliminated, cutting emissions at the source remains the top priority.** **Emissions impact:** Removes up to 500,000 metric tons of CO2 per year per facility today, with much higher potential by 2050. Can capture CO2 100x faster than reforestation on the same land area. **Why it matters:** Essential for reaching net-zero by addressing emissions that cannot be eliminated (aviation, heavy industry, chemicals). DAC provides a backstop for climate targets when other solutions fall short and creates a pathway for negative emissions, not just emissions reductions. **Who’s involved:** Clean energy companies, industrial manufacturers, utilities and energy providers, federal and state governments, research institutions, and climate tech firms. **Community Benefit of Direct Air Capture:** New clean-tech industry and jobs in engineering, construction, and operation. Improved air quality over time. Positions the region as a climate innovation hub.   ### NATURE-BASED CARBON CAPTURE: HEADWATERS FOREST INITIATIVE **Reforestation and land stewardship increase the region’s natural ability to store carbon while also improving air and water quality, reducing flood risk, and restoring wildlife habitat. This is a long-term, place-based climate solution especially well-suited to rural and outer suburban communities.** **Emissions impact:** Reforesting just 10 square miles along regional river headwaters could store about 345,000 metric tons of CO2 by 2050, with over 26,500 tons added each year after that. While slower than technological solutions, this provides steady and durable carbon removal. **Why it matters:** This is a low-cost, natural climate solution that works alongside emissions reductions. It is especially effective in communities with available land and less carbonintensive industries, making it a practical way to offset remaining emissions. **Who’s involved:** Local governments, landowners, conservation groups, watershed organizations, farmers, and state agencies. **Community Benefits of Nature-Based Carbon Capture:** Improved air and water quality, flood protection and erosion control, healthier rivers and ecosystems, wildlife habitat and biodiversity, rural economic opportunities through conservation and land management. ![Generated- 4\_22PM](https://neoclimateaction.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Generated-%204_22PM.png?width=445&height=148&name=Generated-%204_22PM.png) | ##### HOW IT WORKS: TREES REMOVE CO2 FROM THE AIR THROUGH PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND STORE IT IN THEIR TRUNKS, BRANCHES, ROOTS, AND SURROUNDING SOIL. AS FORESTS GROW, THEY ACT LIKE LONG-TERM “CARBON SINKS,” LOCKING CARBON AWAY FOR DECADES OR EVEN CENTURIES. | | --- |   [![NOACA\_CLEVELAND-logos-white](https://neoclimateaction.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NOACA_CLEVELAND-logos-white.png?width=290&height=55&name=NOACA_CLEVELAND-logos-white.png)](http://neoclimateaction.org?hsLang=en) - [Home](http://neoclimateaction.org) - [Challenge](http://neoclimateaction.org/the-challenge) - [Our Progress](http://neoclimateaction.org/progress) - [The Plan](http://neoclimateaction.org/the-plan) - [Go Big](http://neoclimateaction.org/go-big) - [Take Action](http://neoclimateaction.org/take-action) - [Equity](http://neoclimateaction.org/equity) - [Resources](http://neoclimateaction.org/resources) Copyright. All rights reserved.  [Privacy policy](http://neoclimateaction.org/privacy-policy?hsLang=en) [Terms](http://neoclimateaction.org/tos?hsLang=en) - - -