The South Bend Common Council’s adoption of a citywide climate action plan on Nov. 25 is the latest example of how Indiana local governments are stepping it up when it comes to addressing climate change.

The adoption of “Carbon Neutral 2050” places South Bend in line with Indianapolis as the second Indiana city to set targets for carbon neutrality. By adopting its own climate action plan, the city of South Bend is making a bold statement to its residents and to peer communities throughout the state and region that climate change is a problem cities can, and should, address locally.