As the City pursues bold climate action, Philadelphia sees a 31 percent drop in citywide carbon emissions
PHILADELPHIA – Today, the City’s Office of Sustainability released an update on City government’s key efforts and achievements in reducing Philadelphia’s carbon footprint, advancing environmental justice, and enhancing climate resilience. As the City works to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the 2025 Climate Action Update showcases significant projects and initiatives promoting equitable climate action since 2021, guided by strategies in the Climate Action Playbook.
The new report covers climate actions in buildings and industry, transportation, resilience, and more. 2025 Climate Action Update highlights include:
- The City’s largest conservation project to date. The Philadelphia Streetlight Improvement Project is converting all City-operated streetlights to longer-lasting, energy-efficient LED lights with controls. As of May 2025, the project is over 80 percent complete and on track to be completed in fall 2025. A recent study showed a 21 percent reduction in gun violence where streetlights have been updated.
- A 70-megawatt power purchase agreement. The Adams Solar Project, launched in 2023, boosted the City’s renewable energy portfolio to 30 percent.
- Reduced plastic bag litter. The Plastic Bag Ban, which took effect in 2022, has eliminated an estimated more than 200 million plastic bags from distribution, reducing a major litter source from streets, waterways and landfills.
- A cleaner municipal fleet. Emissions from municipal light- and medium-duty vehicles decreased by 10 percent from 2019 levels, keeping the City on track to meet its Municipal Clean Fleet Plan goal of a 45 percent reduction by 2030.
- Planning for a stronger and more resilient Philadelphia. The City is updating Philadelphia’s Climate Resilience Plan with input from residents across the city. Through a variety of in-person and virtual activities, including a survey available in eight (8) languages, residents can help guide the plan to prepare and strengthen the city for climate impacts.
City and regional actions have helped contribute to a 31 percent reduction in citywide greenhouse gas emissions since 2006, as reported in the 2022 Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
“With collaboration and tremendous support from philanthropic, government, and community partners, the City has made meaningful strides to improve quality of life for residents, cut carbon pollution, and plan ahead for a more resilient future,” said Liz Lankenau, Director, Office of Sustainability. “The 2025 Climate Action Update demonstrates the significant progress we’ve made toward our climate goals over the last few years, and toward achieving Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s vision of a safer, cleaner and greener city, with economic for all.”
About the City’s Office of Sustainability
The Office of Sustainability (OOS) works with partners around the city to improve public health, safety and quality of life in all Philadelphia neighborhoods, through advancing environmental justice, progressing Philadelphia’s climate and energy goals, and preparing the city for a hotter and wetter future. For more information, please visit phila.gov/sustainability.