How Madison, Wisconsin, is accelerating climate action with renewable energy, recycling, and green job initiatives

Kazi Awal/Insider

• Madison, Wisconsin's government, residents, and organizations are making it more resilient to climate change.
• Renewable energy, electric city vehicles, and creating a climate-friendly economy are top priorities.
• Local nonprofits are also working to make housing more energy-efficient and to expand recycling.

When she announced the city's Climate Forward agenda last April, Satya Rhodes-Conway, the mayor of Madison, Wisconsin, said the city had a "scientific imperative" to cut its carbon emissions in half by 2030, among other actions to combat climate change.

"Climate action is about improving air quality and public health, lowering utility bills for residents and businesses, and creating more opportunities for good-paying, high-quality jobs," she said. "I believe Madison is ready to accelerate climate action for the benefit of our community and our world."

The city has since stuck to Rhodes-Conway's word. Here's a look at some of the ways Madison's government, residents, and organizations are making it more resilient to climate change.