Greenhouse gas emissions tracking

Goals

In October 2021, Mayor Frey pledged commitment to the Race to Zero campaign. 

This means acting immediately to:

• Limit warming to 1.5⁰C 
• Reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050

Minneapolis has adopted net-zero GHG reduction goals based on science and equity. 

This campaign replaces the 2013 Minneapolis Climate Action Plan goal of 80% GHG emission reductions by 2050. 
  

Results

• Minneapolis GHG emissions have dropped by 30% since 2006
• 2021 GHG emissions increased by 11% from 2020 due to pandemic recovery
• Emissions increased from electricity, transportation, solid waste, and wastewater 
• Emissions decreased from fossil natural gas

Read the full 2021 GHG Emissions Report 

Past reports

We have tracked GHG emissions reports since 2013. For earlier reports, contact Sustainability at the City of Minneapolis

Climate change mitigation: reducing greenhouse gas emissions

In 1989, Minneapolis began developing comprehensive plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

• 2012: Using 2006 as a baseline, Minneapolis set goals to reduce GHG emissions 15% by 2015 and 30% by 2025. Minneapolis reports greenhouse gas emissions every year to show progress toward its goal.
• 2013: The City Council adopted the Minneapolis Climate Action Plan. The Plan reduces GHG from:
  • Buildings
  • Energy
  • Transportation
  • Land use
  • Waste
  • Recycling
• 2014: Minneapolis was named a Climate Action Champion by the White House and U.S. Department of Energy. Minneapolis, Xcel Energy, and CenterPoint Energy formed the nation's first Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership. The Climate Action Plan added a GHG reduction goal of 80% by 2050. 
• 2015: Mayor Betsy Hodges signed the Covenant of Mayors. The agreement reduces GHG emissions and prepares for climate change impacts. Minneapolis joined 16 cities across nine nations in the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance.
• 2016: The Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership released its first annual report, which listed the:
  • Partnership structure and activities
  • A two-year work plan
  • GHG emissions from buildings and energy
  • Savings opportunities
• 2016: Studied more than 70 emission-reduction technologies with Siemen's City Performance Tool (CyPT). View the results
• 2017-present: Annual reports of the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership are publicly released. They provide detailed insight into City progress toward meeting our climate goals.