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Project Overview

The Region 1 Planning Council (R1) Climate Action Plan (CAP) will serve as the blueprint for advancing collaborative and informed climate action within Boone and Winnebago counties. Led by the leadership of the CAP steering committee and R1 staff, this plan will be the first regional approach to preparing for and responding to the local impacts of climate change.

Climate change poses severe threats to environmental, economic, and public health. The CAP focuses on successful and equitable climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies that align with community needs. The plan considers the physical and direct impacts of climate change including extreme temperatures, severe storms, and flooding, but it will also consider the secondary impacts like declining biodiversity and public health impacts.

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Climate Sectors

This Climate Action Plan identifies six climate sectors to prioritize in the Rockford Region. They include air quality and emissions, built environment, energy, natural and working lands, waste management, and water.

  • Air Quality & Emissions

    Air quality refers to how polluted the air is. Greenhouse gas emissions, like carbon dioxide, pollute air and contribute to global warming by trapping heat within the atmosphere.

  • Built Environment

    The built environment refers to the layout, architecture, and composition of places of residence and employment. This includes the design and location of public parks, roads, malls, landfills, and green spaces.

  • Energy

    Energy is the power derived from the use of physical and chemical resources to power buildings, transportation, health systems, industries, and communication networks. Electrification is one of the driving themes of climate action.

  • Natural & Working Lands

    Natural & working lands are areas maintained for ecological, recreational, and economic purposes, including forests, farmlands, wetlands, and open spaces. These lands provide food, protect our water supply, support wildlife, produce raw materials, and reduce pollution.

  • Waste Management

    Waste management refers to how solid and liquid waste is taken in, processed, disposed of, and reused. Waste management includes recycling, reducing consumption, and converting waste to energy.

  • Water

    This refers to water resources, including habitats and drinking water. Aquatic habitats include freshwater bodies like streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Drinking water encompasses water systems and drinking water infrastructure, including groundwater supply.

CAP Steering Committee

The CAP steering committee serves as a collaborative entity to:

  • enhance stakeholder input,
  • address challenges encountered in resiliency planning,
  • provide an avenue for continuous interaction and communication,
  • guide the development of the CAP, and
  • ensure the consideration of potential social, economic, and environmental issues.

Membership includes individuals and organizations within the Rockford Region who are environmental advocates and regional subject matter experts.