Minneapolis will hold a pair of open houses this week to discuss and seek public comment on draft recommendations for updating the city's Climate Action Plan. The city describes the Climate Action Plan as a roadmap to help Minneapolis reduce greenhouse gas pollution.

The open houses are scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Powderhorn Park Community Center, 3400 15th Av. S., and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the U of M Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center, 2001 Plymouth Av. N. The draft recommendations are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/sustainability/climate.

Minneapolis and St. Paul drew up climate action plans in 1993 along with other U.S., Canadian and European cities under a U.N. initiative. The effort was based on participants' idea that the cumulative effect of many local policies might more effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions than national or international agreements. Similar efforts are now underway in many other U.S. cities.