Act on Climate Change
Earth Action Day Roundtable
We are inviting mayors, local governments, & their communities to pull together to back renewable energy
Participation can be as simple as sharing a short statement on environmental successes in your community and actions you plan on taking between now and next Earth Day.
Local Leaders & Communities Working Together to Make the Difference
Local leaders in towns and cities worldwide have the greatest capacity to impact the economic well-being of their constituents, and at the same time protect the quality of the air, water and environment immediately around them. They are uniquely positioned to directly respond to community needs and bring people together.
EARTHDAY.ORG calls on local officials to join thousands of others towns and cities across the world who have prioritized sustainable economic growth, public health and combatting the effects of climate change by backing renewable energy and joining the Earth Action Day.
The Earth Action Day is an opportunity for everyone to engage in a constructive dialogue about how renewable energy: solar, wind, geo-thermal, hydro and tidal, can benefit their community. Be it providing new jobs, improving air quality, increasing city revenue – the Earth Action Day will provide a town hall-style forum for citizens, business leaders and government officials to come together to discuss their clean energy options.
This is a major new Earth Day campaign and an integral part of the Earth Day, 2025 theme, Our Power, Our Planet, with the goal of tripling the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.
Latest Commitment Statements
Iowa City continues to demonstrate leadership in climate action in 2025 with exciting projects that build on our commitments to renewable energy and clean transportation. This includes supporting the addition of rooftop solar panels on the Iowa City Bike Library as part of our new Resilience Hub initiatives, as well as the addition of a patrol-rated electric vehicle to our growing fleet of EVs, the first of its kind in the state. To date, we have reached more than 3,700 homes in Iowa City with energy saving kits delivered during our annual Neighborhood Energy Blitz, and this year we will once again celebrate Earth Day with a target of reaching 800 more homes through the event. Projects like these have enabled the city to achieve its goal of a 45% reduction of emissions 10 years ahead of our 2030 goals. By accelerating our innovative sustainability programs, investments in renewable energy, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions, we are ensuring that Iowa City is not only resilient today but sustainable for generations to come.” – Mayor Bruce Teague, Iowa City
“On April 14, 2025, Milwaukee County’s Office of Sustainability will present the Climate Action 2050 Plan to the Community, Environment, Economic Development (CEED) Committee, aiming for adoption before Earth Day celebrations. This comprehensive plan outlines a pathway for Milwaukee County to achieve net zero carbon operational emissions by 2050, emphasizing racial equity and resilience. Following the CEED Committee’s vote, a full Board vote is scheduled for April 24th. An Earth Week celebration and file signing event is planned for April 25th. The Office of Sustainability previously conducted a Solar Photovoltaic Feasibility Study in 2024, recommending 22 projects across 17 locations, including the future Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center, set to open later in 2025 with a rooftop solar system. Additionally, beginning in March 2025, the Office will implement Sustainable Decision-Making (SDM) standards across various projects, focusing on energy efficiency, emissions control, and climate resilience. Committed to honoring the legacy of Earth Day founder Senator Gaylord Nelson, from Wisconsin, Milwaukee County is dedicated to impactful environmental actions.” – Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman, Milwaukee County 3rd District
The City of Hillsboro has long been a leader in sustainability and renewable energy, and we remain committed to climate action more than ever. For more than a decade, we have worked to advance the use of renewable energy in our community, and today, Hillsboro is recognized as the national leader in overall green power usage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our community members and businesses voluntarily purchase renewable electricity for nearly 66 percent of all electricity needs, and 100 percent of the City’s operations are powered by renewable energy. This leadership in clean energy aligns with our broader climate action efforts. As we look ahead to Earth Day 2026, the City Council is expected to adopt Hillsboro’s first comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which will guide our long-term sustainability initiatives. Through this plan, we are committed to implementing new equity-centered climate projects, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding access to clean transportation options, and enhancing climate resilience through green infrastructure and energy efficiency programs. Together, with our Youth Advisory Council, residents, businesses, and community partners, we are building a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for Hillsboro. – Beach Pace, Mayor of Hillsboro
Over the past year, the City of Clearwater has made significant strides in advancing clean energy and energy efficiency, reinforcing our commitment to a more resilient and sustainable community. Between Earth Day 2024 and 2025, we have: 1. Added the first four electric vehicles to our municipal fleet, fully funded through a federal allocation. 2. Achieved a 10% reduction in municipal building energy use through our Municipal Energy Savings Program. 3. Participated in the Solar United Neighbors (SUN) Pinellas County Solar Co-op, resulting in 65.48 kW of new residential solar installations across seven Clearwater homes. Looking ahead to Earth Day 2026, we are committed to continuing this momentum. Over the next year, the City of Clearwater will: 1. Install four fleet-dedicated EV charging stations, fully funded by a federal allocation. 2. Further reduce energy consumption in municipal buildings through continued efficiency measures. 3. Participate in the SUN Switch Together solar buying program, expanding opportunities for residents to install rooftop solar. 4. Commission four large-scale municipal solar installations totaling over 800 kW DC, reinforcing our leadership in clean energy adoption. As we celebrate Earth Day’s Our Power, Our Planet theme, Clearwater remains dedicated to embracing clean energy and efficiency, to ensure a more resilient future for all who live, work and visit here. – Mayor Bruce Rector
Planet theme for Earth Day 2025: the protection of Ocean and poles. Renewable energy from geothemal and Thalasso energy is in good position in our Metropolitan Area. we mobalize all actors (citizens, scientists, mayors, officials and governments to act for the ocean and Climate protection): https://anneedelamer.nice.fr/ 2026: the sponge city strategy and an adaptation plan towards living habitats is espected. “Adapting our territories and communities each day, with nature based solutions and bioregeneration, is the way liveable cities and districts must be build urgently. Community resilience has to be funded on human and biodiversity respect and peace. One Health, One Ocean, One Planet: Peace for Nature is the Future. – Felix Gravel Environement – Director – Nice Metropolitan Area
As Mayor of Littleton, Colorado, I am proud to share our commitment to building a resilient, sustainable future for our community. Over the past year, we have made significant strides in addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing our city. Through collaboration with a dedicated citizen advisory board, we have ensured that our efforts are guided by the unique needs and concerns of our residents, empowering us to make informed, data-driven decisions. This year, we are excited to finalize our Greenhouse Gas Inventory, marking a crucial milestone in our journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable Littleton. Additionally, we will take the first steps toward developing our Climate Action Plan, setting the stage for bold, actionable strategies that will shape our city’s response to climate change. By focusing on long-term planning and leveraging opportunities for responsible growth, we are working to ensure that Littleton’s future is healthier and more resilient for current and future generations. – Mayor Kyle Schlachter
“Metro Nashville government is required to source all of its energy from renewable sources by 2041. Last year, we saw 15 percent come from renewable sources, and while we have a ways to go, we are chipping away and modeling sustainability. In the last year, we have invested another $10 million to add around four megawatts of capacity, and as we are implementing these improvements, they are simultaneously making us better environmental and fiscal stewards. Multiple efforts have us on pace to pass the 50 percent mark by 2027.” – Mayor Freddie O’Connell:
I am a Democratic Legislator in a state with Republican majorities in both the State House and Senate. Republicans prohibit most Democratic bills from getting a hearing. We are in a fierce fight against federal cuts and state policies that will hamper the clean energy transition in a state that should be the solar capital of the country. Despite playing a defensive role, I succeeded in getting our 2nd largest utility to make their undemocratic voting process slightly more democratic — in an effort to increase the turnout percentage that vote in the utility’s election — a mere 2%. We continue to alert Arizonans of the dangerous consequences to anti-environmental legislation. – Lauren Kuby AZ State Senator, Legislative District 8
Iowa City continues to demonstrate leadership in climate action in 2025 with exciting projects that build on our commitments to renewable energy and clean transportation. This includes supporting the addition of rooftop solar panels on the Iowa City Bike Library as part of our new Resilience Hub initiatives, as well as the addition of a patrol-rated electric vehicle to our growing fleet of EVs, the first of its kind in the state. To date, we have reached more than 3,700 homes in Iowa City with energy saving kits delivered during our annual Neighborhood Energy Blitz, and this year we will once again celebrate Earth Day with a target of reaching 800 more homes through the event. Projects like these have enabled the city to achieve its goal of a 45% reduction of emissions 10 years ahead of our 2030 goals. By accelerating our innovative sustainability programs, investments in renewable energy, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions, we are ensuring that Iowa City is not only resilient today but sustainable for generations to come.” – Mayor Bruce Teague, Iowa City
“On April 14, 2025, Milwaukee County’s Office of Sustainability will present the Climate Action 2050 Plan to the Community, Environment, Economic Development (CEED) Committee, aiming for adoption before Earth Day celebrations. This comprehensive plan outlines a pathway for Milwaukee County to achieve net zero carbon operational emissions by 2050, emphasizing racial equity and resilience. Following the CEED Committee’s vote, a full Board vote is scheduled for April 24th. An Earth Week celebration and file signing event is planned for April 25th. The Office of Sustainability previously conducted a Solar Photovoltaic Feasibility Study in 2024, recommending 22 projects across 17 locations, including the future Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center, set to open later in 2025 with a rooftop solar system. Additionally, beginning in March 2025, the Office will implement Sustainable Decision-Making (SDM) standards across various projects, focusing on energy efficiency, emissions control, and climate resilience. Committed to honoring the legacy of Earth Day founder Senator Gaylord Nelson, from Wisconsin, Milwaukee County is dedicated to impactful environmental actions.” – Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman, Milwaukee County 3rd District
The City of Hillsboro has long been a leader in sustainability and renewable energy, and we remain committed to climate action more than ever. For more than a decade, we have worked to advance the use of renewable energy in our community, and today, Hillsboro is recognized as the national leader in overall green power usage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our community members and businesses voluntarily purchase renewable electricity for nearly 66 percent of all electricity needs, and 100 percent of the City’s operations are powered by renewable energy. This leadership in clean energy aligns with our broader climate action efforts. As we look ahead to Earth Day 2026, the City Council is expected to adopt Hillsboro’s first comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which will guide our long-term sustainability initiatives. Through this plan, we are committed to implementing new equity-centered climate projects, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding access to clean transportation options, and enhancing climate resilience through green infrastructure and energy efficiency programs. Together, with our Youth Advisory Council, residents, businesses, and community partners, we are building a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for Hillsboro. – Beach Pace, Mayor of Hillsboro
Over the past year, the City of Clearwater has made significant strides in advancing clean energy and energy efficiency, reinforcing our commitment to a more resilient and sustainable community. Between Earth Day 2024 and 2025, we have: 1. Added the first four electric vehicles to our municipal fleet, fully funded through a federal allocation. 2. Achieved a 10% reduction in municipal building energy use through our Municipal Energy Savings Program. 3. Participated in the Solar United Neighbors (SUN) Pinellas County Solar Co-op, resulting in 65.48 kW of new residential solar installations across seven Clearwater homes. Looking ahead to Earth Day 2026, we are committed to continuing this momentum. Over the next year, the City of Clearwater will: 1. Install four fleet-dedicated EV charging stations, fully funded by a federal allocation. 2. Further reduce energy consumption in municipal buildings through continued efficiency measures. 3. Participate in the SUN Switch Together solar buying program, expanding opportunities for residents to install rooftop solar. 4. Commission four large-scale municipal solar installations totaling over 800 kW DC, reinforcing our leadership in clean energy adoption. As we celebrate Earth Day’s Our Power, Our Planet theme, Clearwater remains dedicated to embracing clean energy and efficiency, to ensure a more resilient future for all who live, work and visit here. – Mayor Bruce Rector
Planet theme for Earth Day 2025: the protection of Ocean and poles. Renewable energy from geothemal and Thalasso energy is in good position in our Metropolitan Area. we mobalize all actors (citizens, scientists, mayors, officials and governments to act for the ocean and Climate protection): https://anneedelamer.nice.fr/ 2026: the sponge city strategy and an adaptation plan towards living habitats is espected. “Adapting our territories and communities each day, with nature based solutions and bioregeneration, is the way liveable cities and districts must be build urgently. Community resilience has to be funded on human and biodiversity respect and peace. One Health, One Ocean, One Planet: Peace for Nature is the Future. – Felix Gravel Environement – Director – Nice Metropolitan Area
As Mayor of Littleton, Colorado, I am proud to share our commitment to building a resilient, sustainable future for our community. Over the past year, we have made significant strides in addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing our city. Through collaboration with a dedicated citizen advisory board, we have ensured that our efforts are guided by the unique needs and concerns of our residents, empowering us to make informed, data-driven decisions. This year, we are excited to finalize our Greenhouse Gas Inventory, marking a crucial milestone in our journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable Littleton. Additionally, we will take the first steps toward developing our Climate Action Plan, setting the stage for bold, actionable strategies that will shape our city’s response to climate change. By focusing on long-term planning and leveraging opportunities for responsible growth, we are working to ensure that Littleton’s future is healthier and more resilient for current and future generations. – Mayor Kyle Schlachter
“Metro Nashville government is required to source all of its energy from renewable sources by 2041. Last year, we saw 15 percent come from renewable sources, and while we have a ways to go, we are chipping away and modeling sustainability. In the last year, we have invested another $10 million to add around four megawatts of capacity, and as we are implementing these improvements, they are simultaneously making us better environmental and fiscal stewards. Multiple efforts have us on pace to pass the 50 percent mark by 2027.” – Mayor Freddie O’Connell:
I am a Democratic Legislator in a state with Republican majorities in both the State House and Senate. Republicans prohibit most Democratic bills from getting a hearing. We are in a fierce fight against federal cuts and state policies that will hamper the clean energy transition in a state that should be the solar capital of the country. Despite playing a defensive role, I succeeded in getting our 2nd largest utility to make their undemocratic voting process slightly more democratic — in an effort to increase the turnout percentage that vote in the utility’s election — a mere 2%. We continue to alert Arizonans of the dangerous consequences to anti-environmental legislation. – Lauren Kuby AZ State Senator, Legislative District 8
Earth Day Cities and Government FAQ
The Earth Action Day will occur on or around April 22nd (communities should choose the date that fits best to participants’ needs), and will serve as the primary activation for subnational governments to have a meaningful impact on Earth Day.
Wherever town hall events are typically held in your community! Popular options include: city hall, community centers, libraries, museums, universities, and other public forums.
Economic Advantages: Reduced energy costs, job creation, and increased tax revenue.
Public Health Gains: Improved air quality and resilience infrastructure.
Disaster Mitigation: Enhancing home values by reducing climate risks and heightened resilience to extreme weather.
The Earth Action Day brings together local governments with citizen leaders, including the following examples:
Government Members
• The mayor (or equivalent executive leader)
• The mayor (or equivalent executive leader)
• City sustainability officers
• City council members
• City planners
• School boards
• Other officials in charge of developing transportation, infrastructure, business, etc.
• Indigenous leadership
Citizen Participants
• Local environmental nonprofits and/or advocacy groups
• Business leaders
• University administrators
• Student activists and youth groups
• Faith leaders
• Teachers
• Engaged citizens of all backgrounds