PHX Reporter

The City of Phoenix has been awarded a spot on the "A list" for its environmental efforts by CDP, a nonprofit disclosure organization that manages environmental reporting.

“Combating climate change is a top priority for me, and is essential to the future of Phoenix and those who plan to live here,” Mayor Kate Gallego said in a release from the city.

The CDP evaluated more than 1,000 counties and cities based on their leadership in environmental action, according to the release. Phoenix was one of 122 localities globally to receive an A-rating, for its public environmental, social and governance dashboard, as well as its reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the release said.

Phoenix also was recognized for assessing its climate risk and vulnerabilities and creating a climate action plan to tackle environmental hazards led by Gallego and the Office of Environmental Programs, including the mayor's approval of the climate action plan in October 2021.

“Knowing that our city is among the 12% of cities and counties to make the CDP A list confirms what we already know – we are on the right track," she said.

The city's action plan included strategies and procedures like increasing community-wide use of low carbon fuels and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for municipal operations electricity use by 2030.

“Researching vulnerabilities and climate hazards is an essential part of developing a climate action plan that works,” Environmental Programs Administrator Nancy Allen said in the release. “We are continually improving and working towards becoming a more sustainable desert city.”