To the editor,

Serving the community as the sustainability coordinator for the City of River Falls has been a highlight of my career. During my 15-year tenure, I have been honored to work with individuals and organizations who care deeply about protecting our natural resources and leaving a sustainable legacy. Together, we have helped our city become a national leader in green energy participation and sustainability practices.

But we can’t stop now when there is still so much to be done. 

One of the most important tasks before the city is to join with community partners to create a climate action plan (CAP) to guide our future sustainability efforts. Such a plan would include targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase clean energy usage, and develop resiliency steps and strategies for meeting and tracking targets.

There is an enormous repository of information online, including many examples of CAPs, to help structure the most effective plan for our city. In fact, UW-River Falls is in the process of developing such a plan, which can serve as a roadmap for the city.

Regardless of the structure and format that the River Falls’ plan takes, I would suggest it follow these seven steps to ensure its success:

1) Start with a leadership-backed commitment.

2) Create a planning team, which includes community members, businesses, and organizations.

3) Honestly inventory city greenhouse gas emissions 

4) Create specific greenhouse gas emission goals and targets.

5) Determine the steps needed to reach goals and targets.

6) Implement the plan.

7) Be transparent at every step of the way.

I look to the leadership of our city council and administration to not only start the process for a plan, but thoughtfully and carefully follow the steps listed above. It is imperative we begin creating a CAP today to ensure the survivability of our planet tomorrow.

Mike Noreen

City of River Falls