In December the Maine Climate Council launched its four-year action plan, “Maine Won’t Wait,” a comprehensive vision for addressing the climate crisis.

The plan was developed by a broad, bipartisan coalition of participants including scientists, business and industry leaders, state and local officials and members of the general public. The plan is designed to put Maine on a trajectory to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. 

The plan’s goals fall into four categories: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, avoiding the costs and negative impacts of inaction, creating new jobs and economic opportunities, and advancing equity through responding to climate change.  Implementation of “Maine Won’t Wait” will require a multifaceted effort by the Governor’s Office, the State Legislature, the business community and individual citizens.

All Midcoast businesses, civic organizations, local governments, environmental groups and concerned citizens should familiarize themselves with the plan in order to anticipate coming changes, consider ways to help shape the outcomes, and chart future directions for our communities.

A PDF of “Maine Won’t Wait” is available on maine.gov. For more information on a crucial approach to achieving Maine’s greenhouse gas emission’s goals please see citizensclimatelobby.org or CarbonCashback4ME.

Bernie Baker lives in Belfast