Earth Day 2025 in Seattle A plan to update its Climate Action Plan next year

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signed an executive order on Earth Day to initiate an update of the Climate Action Plan, aiming for completion by summer 2026. The order emphasizes climate resilience, a green economy, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Harrell highlighted the increased severity of climate change effects, such as hotter summers and severe storms damaging infrastructure. This update marks the first review since the plan's establishment in 2013, which coincided with an average global temperature of 58. 3 F.

By 2024, this figure reached a record 59. 2 F, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The executive order includes a progress report due in Q3 2025 and plans for inclusive engagement with communities most affected by climate impacts. Additionally, the city will assess revenue-generating policies and investment strategies by Q4 2026. These measures aim to ensure effective implementation of the updated Climate Action Plan.