Sustainability

KEEP REDLANDS COOL!

The city strives to foster a culture of environmental stewardship by implementing the recently adopted Climate Action Plan (CAP) and expanding sustainability programs.

Both internally and within the community, the City’s sustainability program aims to:

Engage with and educate the community on environmentalism and local effects of climate change
“Lead by Example” by increasing sustainable practices in City operations
Reduce local environmental impacts while conserving natural resources
Celebrate the natural surroundings of Redlands

Redlands’ residents have the power to take climate action of all shapes and sizes. When it comes to protecting our environment, every little bit helps. Whether you’ve completely electrified your home, or just started a compost bin, every action makes Redlands greener. As a bonus, some eco-friendly changes are good for your wallet.

Because we need our planet in order to live! Climate change affects the weather, human health, natural ecosystems, our essential resources and the economy. We all need to do our part in reducing the impacts of climate change and prevent a worsening situation.

We are already feeling the effects of climate change. Our community needs to work together to adjust and be resilient. For example, the City is mitigating the effects of extreme heat by operating cooling centers.

In addition, we currently rely heavily on finite resources like fossil fuels. One day, these non-renewable resources will run out. It’s important to invest in renewables and conserve resources now, so we can safely and comfortably transition away from fossil fuels, coal, etc, in the future.

Redlands is located in Southern California, a region that is greatly impacted by drought and increasing extreme heat. Our nearby open spaces are also heavily affected by wildfires, which leads to hazardous air quality. Wildfire risk has negatively influenced the availability and cost of home insurance in California.

These conditions can compound and make the situation even worse. For example, climate change is making us more reliant on cooling equipment, which puts a lot of demand on our electricity grid. This makes electricity more expensive and subjects the community to rolling blackouts.

The effects of climate change can also increase the amount of pests and plant diseases that we face in our agricultural regions. Higher temperatures can benefit pests, giving them an edge when infecting plants. Redlands’ citrus trees have already faced quarantines from the spread of Huanglongbing (HLB), a citrus disease spread by psyllids.

We know this all sounds scary, but this is why climate action is so important. You’re already taking action by reading this! Every little step towards a greener world helps. Check out our Sustainable Habits page for more helpful tips.

In 2025, the City of Redlands updated the Climate Action Plan (CAP), which was originally written in 2017. The CAP outlines the City’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal and the measures that the City will take to achieve it. The City aims to reduce GHG emissions by 5.4 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) per capita by 2050. This goal was determined by using state-wide reduction targets set forth in California regulations.

You can view the City’s Climate Action Plan and our progress tracker by clicking here. We are excited to further our eco-efforts!

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are a leading contributor to climate change. When GHGs like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) enter the atmosphere, they absorb and trap heat from the sun. This causes increased air temperatures.

Gas-powered transportation, burning fossil fuels (crude oil, coal, natural gas), deforestation, and other industrial practices are the leading causes of GHG emissions.

It’s important to remember that a warming atmosphere is causing the changing climate. However, rising temps isn’t the only way climate change manifests. A warmer atmosphere alters the climate resulting in more extreme temperatures and weather events. Hot climates will get hotter, and cold climates can get colder. Natural disasters become more severe, less predictable, and more likely to harm infrastructure and human life.

P.S. There is so much more to climate change than we can explain here. Check out this great article that covers the basics of our changing climate, or learn more about the carbon cycle here.

Nope! Everyone can contribute to a healthy climate in their own way.

February 24, 2026

Sustainability

KEEP REDLANDS COOL!

Sustainable Habits

Composting at Home

The Circular Economy

Eco-Friendly Money Saving Tips for Businesses

CO2 and the Carbon Cycle

Our Climate

Climate Action Plan

Energy

Waste Reduction

Water Conservation

Alternative Transportation

Electric Vehicles

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