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Climate Action & Adaptation Plan Nears the Finish Line 
Costa Mesa’s Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP) is heading to City Council!
The City Council will consider the CAAP, along with the related Safety Element Update and Environmental Justice Policy Update, at its Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 meeting at 7 p.m.
The community is invited to attend, learn more, and participate in this important milestone.
Shaped by extensive research, community outreach, and public input, the CAAP provides a roadmap for a more sustainable and resilient Costa Mesa. The plan identifies actions the City and community can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, prepare for climate-related impacts and support a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Thank you to everyone who has shared ideas and feedback throughout the process!
Review the Final Draft CAAP and Appendices HERE.
Road to the CAAP
Costa Mesa is making progress on its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP)!
Over the past year, City staff and consultants have been gathering data, assessing climate risks, and engaging residents, businesses, students, and community partners through events like Earth Day, Concerts in the Park, surveys, and stakeholder meetings. What we’ve heard is clear: our community cares about clean energy, greener neighborhoods, better transportation options, and planning for the future.
On Feb. 3 an updated presentation was provided to the City Council. Click here to see the PowerPoint of the update.
On April 30th an Open House was held to review the Draft Policies for the CAAP and Environmental Justic update. The comment period on the draft policies closed on May 26th and the policies have been updated. To find the current draft policies please see the Draft CAAP and Appendix E, Implementation Plan.
Planning Commission hosted a Study Session on July 27, 2026, and reviewed the Draft CAAP at their August 10, 2026 meeting. A Copy of the Draft CAAP can be reviewed below.
REVIEW THE DRAFT CAAP HERE:
DRAFT Climate Action & Adaptation Plan
Appendix A, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, Forecasting, and Target Setting
Appendix B, Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C, Community Engagement and Outreach Materials
Appendix D, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Supporting Material
Appendix E, Implementation Plan
The Planning Commission and public provided comments that were incorporated in the Final Draft of the CAAP which will be reviewed by the City Council at their 9/15/26 meeting.
What is a Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP)?
A Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP) is a roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and prepare our community for the impacts of climate change. It provides actionable strategies that benefit our city, environment, and residents by:
- Cutting emissions and improving air quality
- Increasing climate resilience and disaster preparedness
- Enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability
- Creating a healthier, greener Costa Mesa
What is climate change?
Have you noticed that summers are getting hotter? Or that wildfires and big storms seem to be happening more often? That’s climate change. It means the Earth’s usual weather patterns are shifting. It’s getting warmer overall, and that’s causing changes in how much rain we get, how strong storms are, and even how plants and animals live. This is caused by greenhouse gases (GHG). The sun sends energy to the Earth in the form of sunlight, but some of that energy gets trapped by GHG. Those gases act like a blanket, trapping heat and sending it back down to Earth. Because of this, the Earth gets warmer. This is natural, but human activities like burning gas and cutting down trees are making that blanket thicker—so more heat gets trapped, and that causes climate change.
Why should Costa Mesa have a CAAP?
Climate change is already impacting our lives through extreme heat, droughts, wildfires, and air pollution. The Costa Mesa CAAP will help us:
- Protect our environment – Reduce pollution and conserve natural resources
- Safeguard our community – Prepare for climate-related hazards
- Support economic growth – Promote sustainable businesses and job creation
- Plan for Our Future – Align with state and federal climate goals and provide access to state grants
Sustainability in Costa Mesa
Preparing the CAAP reflects the City Council's goal to advance environmental sustainability and climate resiliency.
The CAAP will help provide a roadmap to:
- Reduce Costa Mesa’s carbon footprint
- Minimize waste and increase efficiency
- Enhance public health and environmental quality
- Collaborate with businesses and community organizations
Learn more about Costa Mesa’s sustainability initiatives here.
What’s in the CAAP?
The CAAP will outline a strategy to reduce emissions and improve climate resilience, focusing on:
- GHG Emissions Inventory – Assessing Costa Mesa’s emissions
- Clean Energy & Transportation – Expanding renewable energy & electric vehicle adoption
- Water Conservation & Waste Reduction – Reducing consumption and promoting recycling
- Resilient Communities – Protecting vulnerable populations from climate hazards
How will it be implemented?
The CAAP will provide clear goals and measurable targets, tailored strategies to address local climate impacts, and funding and policy recommendations for long-term success.
How Can You Help?
We need your input! The City of Costa Mesa is committed to community collaboration and will provide multiple opportunities for engagement throughout the CAAP’s development. Here are the opportunities for you to participate in the CAAP planning process.
- Community Survey is now complete. Thank you to everyone that participated!
- Stay updated by emailing sustainability@costamesaca.gov to subscribe to CAAP email notifications.
- Review and comment on the draft CAAP before adoption.
Join Us in Creating a More Sustainable Costa Mesa!
Together, we can make Costa Mesa a leader in sustainability and climate action. Stay engaged, provide input, and be part of the change!
Thank you to all who attended the Earth Day Festival at City Hall on April 26, 2025! Residents learned about climate-related issues, wrote their ideas for a more climate friendly and resilient Costa Mesa, took the survey, and kids drew their vision of an environmentally friendly Costa Mesa!
Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Climate Action & Adaptation
Still have questions? Contact us at:
Email: sustainability@costamesaca.gov