Building Climate Resilience in Southeast Michigan

Southeast Michigan’s changing climate presents many challenges for the health of our communities, environment, and economy. Working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance natural areas, we can prevent future impacts to climate change, and ensure the region is a more resilient, equitable and thriving home for future generations. Log into your SEMCOG profile here to to stay informed with project updates, participate in future engagement opportunities, and learn more about SEMCOG’s climate and resilience planning work.

Aerial image showing a raised highway cutting through a residential and industrial area with the Detroit skyline visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Southeast Michigan’s Healthy Climate Plan

The Southeast Michigan Healthy Climate Plan identifies the region’s major sources of greenhouse gas emissions and tracks how energy is used across sectors. Based on this analysis, the Plan outlines comprehensive pathways to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support economic development across Southeast Michigan through 2050. It focuses on five regional opportunities:

  • Modernize Mobility Systems
  • Promote Efficient, Affordable Homes and Buildings
  • Expand Local Renewable Energy Options
  • Advance Clean Innovation in Industry
  • Manage Waste and Natural Resources Sustainably

The priorities established in the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) are intended to address the region’s primary sources of GHG emissions, support by implementation-ready measures to reduce climate pollution by 2030. Extensive stakeholder outreach, community engagement, and cross-sector coordination are integral to this goal and ensuring that these priority actions will benefit the region, with a focus on equity and environmental justice.

The Southeast Michigan Healthy Climate Plan website includes information on important meetings, engagement events and updates on the planning process. Visit the website here. 

Southeast Michigan Healthy Climate Plan Report

Southeast Michigan Healthy Climate Task Force

SEMCOG will convene a Healthy Climate Task Force to lead this initiative and engage regional partners in consensus building and decision-making. The task force includes representatives from government, transportation, energy, business, health, development, workforce, and environmental sectors.

Healthy Climate Focus Groups

Focus Groups will engage subject matter experts to examine specific topics and provide recommendations to the Task Force. Focus groups are open to all SEMCOG members and regional partners, covering topics such as electric vehicles, public transit, energy efficiency, materials management, industrial uses, and nature-based solutions.

Community Engagement and Public Education

Community Engagement and Public Education will be critical to this process. SEMCOG and a consultant team will facilitate meetings, surveys, webinars, and other outreach opportunities through existing networks to raise public awareness and collect community input about priorities for future implementation.