Costa Mesa’s Draft CAAP Policies Now Available for Review!

Costa Mesa is taking an important step toward a more sustainable, resilient future and we want YOU to be part of it.

The City’s Draft Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP) Policies are now available for public review. These policies represent a community-driven roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for climate impacts, and create a healthier, more livable city for everyone.

What’s in the Draft Policies?

The plan is organized into Sectors, Objectives, and Action Items, think of these as the building blocks of how Costa Mesa will take action:

· Sectors focus on the big-picture areas where change can make the most impact like energy, transportation, waste, water, and community resilience.

· Objectives define what we want to achieve within each sector, such as reducing emissions, improving air quality, or strengthening climate preparedness.

· Action Items are the specific, real-world steps the City, community, and partners can take to turn these goals into reality.

Together, these elements create a clear and actionable path toward Costa Mesa’s goal of a more sustainable and climate-ready future. The CAAP is designed to not only address climate change, but also improve quality of life, support local businesses, and build a stronger, healthier community for all.

We Want to Hear From You!

Your voice matters. Community input is a key part of shaping a plan that works for Costa Mesa.

We invite you to:

· Review the Draft CAAP Policies

· Share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback

Public comment period is open through May 26th

To review the Draft Policies!

Please send comments to sustainability@costamesaca.gov

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.

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