What values drive Hartford’s approach to climate? Our shared values are public health, economic development, and social equity.
Let’s start with public health. This Climate Action Planning process presents the opportunity to address the city’s poor performance in a majority of social determinants of health – including employment, housing, safety, education, economic security, and environmental quality. Our vision for improved public health:
- Urban agriculture offers affordable, fresh food to Hartford residents, which meets cultural tastes and preferences.
- Hazardous brownfield sites, abandoned mills, and homes with lead-based paint are identified and cleaned up.
- Improved urban forest canopy, clean energy vehicles, and greater reliance on renewables make the air cleaner and reduce asthma rates.
- Park and river trails are more accessible to residents, leading to reduced obesity rates and improving pedestrian safety.
- Education programs on healthy food, exercise, and medical care are available to all.