World Decarbonisation Day 2026 - SSMN Shows Up!

Every year on June 25, World Decarbonisation Day shines a spotlight on one of the most important challenges of our time: reducing carbon dioxide emissions and accelerating the transition to a cleaner, healthier future.

While the word decarbonization may sound technical, its meaning is simple. It’s about finding better ways to power our communities, move people and goods, design our neighborhoods, and use energy more efficiently so we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

At Sustainable Stillwater MN (SSMN), decarbonization isn't just a global concept—it's something we help advance right here in our community through leadership, collaboration, and long-term planning.

What Is Decarbonization?

Decarbonization is the process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from sectors like transportation, buildings, energy production, and industry. Communities around the world are pursuing strategies such as:

• Transitioning to renewable electricity sources like solar and wind.

• Electrifying vehicles and building systems instead of relying on fossil fuels.

• Improving energy efficiency in homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.

• Designing communities that support walking, biking, and public transit.

• Protecting and expanding natural spaces that absorb and store carbon.

These actions not only help address climate change—they also create healthier neighborhoods, strengthen local economies, improve air quality, and increase resilience for future generations.

Showing Up Where Decisions Are Made

Sustainable Stillwater MN believes that meaningful climate action happens when community members have a seat at the table.

Supporting Stillwater's 2050 Comprehensive Plan

SSMN is actively participating in the City of Stillwater's 2050 Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, helping shape the long-term vision for how our community grows and adapts over the coming decades.

Our representatives include:

• Roger Tomten, serving as SSMN's appointed representative.

• Allison McGinnis, serving as alternate representative and providing expertise as the lead of SSMN's Bird City initiative.

• Sirid Kellermann, SSMN Vice Chair, who also serves independently on the committee.

• Rick (Transportation Program), who continues to advocate for sustainable transportation initiatives in the community.

Comprehensive plans influence decisions about land use, transportation networks, housing, parks, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship. By participating in these conversations today, SSMN helps ensure sustainability remains part of Stillwater's future.

Why Comprehensive Planning Matters for Decarbonization

Regional planning efforts across the Twin Cities metropolitan area are increasingly aligned with ambitious climate goals that look toward 2050.

Key strategies include:

• Reducing transportation emissions by encouraging biking, walking, transit use, and electric vehicles.

• Improving building efficiency through electrification and energy-saving technologies.

• Focusing development where infrastructure already exists to minimize unnecessary expansion and emissions.

• Preserving and enhancing natural landscapes that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

These long-term planning decisions shape how people live, travel, and use energy for decades to come, making them some of the most impactful climate actions available to local governments.

Partnering with Washington County on Climate Action

SSMN's commitment extends beyond city planning. Executive Director Andi Arnold represents Sustainable Stillwater MN on the Washington County Climate Action Advisory Group, contributing community perspectives as the county develops its comprehensive Climate Action Plan.

The county's planning process has identified several important priorities:

• Expanding electric vehicle adoption and supporting transportation alternatives such as biking and walking.

• Increasing carbon sequestration through healthy landscapes and working lands.

• Promoting cleaner energy sources and high-efficiency buildings that reduce pollution and operating costs.

• Preparing communities for changing weather patterns, including heavier rainfall, flooding, and rising temperatures.

By participating in advisory groups like this, SSMN helps ensure local voices contribute to practical solutions that benefit residents, businesses, and future generations.

Community Leadership Is Climate Leadership

World Decarbonisation Day reminds us that climate action doesn't only happen through national policies or international agreements. It also happens in city council chambers, planning meetings, volunteer committees, nonprofit organizations, and neighborhood conversations.

Sustainable Stillwater MN is proud to show up where those conversations happen —bringing community values, environmental stewardship, and collaborative problem-solving to the table.

Whether we're supporting transportation initiatives, advocating for thoughtful land use, participating in climate planning, or helping residents understand sustainability issues, our goal remains the same: creating a thriving St. Croix Valley that is environmentally responsible, economically vibrant, and welcoming for everyone.

Join the Movement

Decarbonization isn't accomplished by one organization or one policy alone. It happens through thousands of decisions made by individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and governments working together.

This World Decarbonisation Day, consider how you can be part of the solution:

• Walk, bike, or use public transportation when possible.

• Improve your home's energy efficiency.

• Support local sustainability initiatives.

• Participate in community planning opportunities.

• Advocate for policies that reduce emissions while strengthening our communities.

Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient future—one thoughtful decision at a time.