Cook County declared a climate emergency in 2021 and adopted the Cook County Climate Action Plan in 2024, targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 with interim 50 percent reduction by 2030 across county operations and incentives for suburban municipalities.
Resolution 21-1789 declared a climate and ecological emergency in Cook County. The Cook County Climate Action Plan, adopted by the Board in 2024, sets a 50 percent emissions reduction target by 2030 (versus 2010 baseline) and net zero by 2050. The plan funds municipal sustainability grants, expands the Sustain Cook County program, requires county-procurement emissions tracking, and targets electrification of the county vehicle fleet. The Bureau of Economic Development and Department of Environment and Sustainability co-administer. Suburban municipalities can opt into county technical assistance for local climate plans.
The plan is a policy framework rather than a regulatory ordinance, so it does not impose direct penalties on residents. County contractors face procurement-scoring impacts for high-emission bids.
See how Evanston's climate emergency mobilization rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.