17 Global Cities, including 8 from U.S., Join Carbon Neutral Alliance and Inspire the ‘Next Wave’ of Leaders
The Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance launched this week, with 17 of our world’s largest cities committing to hefty goals to reduce air pollution and climate change impacts. Since urban areas account for nearly 75% of humanity’s emissions, this makes a significant impact. Their collective leadership toward climate action not only helps each city achieve their respective goals faster and more effectively, but also provides an example – and inspiration – for cities around the globe to reduce their own contributions to climate change. According to Urban Sustainability Directors Network, New York City became the largest city in the world to commit to an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, and Washington D.C. has already demonstrated 12% pollution reduction during a period of significant population and economic growth. Continued progress will require transformative “all of the above” strategies, including investment in renewable solar and wind energy, redesign of energy efficient buildings, and ‘alternative’ urban transportation systems (including bikeable and walkable cities).
“Working with our fellow Alliance cities and with our citizens and private sector partners, we will show that we can create vibrant and sustainable communities through the achievement of a carbon neutral future,” said Tommy Wells, Director of the District Department of the Environment.
By speaking with a common voice, these cities are demonstrating their climate leadership while amplifying the highest-potential innovations and best practices as role models for the “Next Wave” of Carbon Neutral Cities. Congratulations and thank you to our American neighbors – New York City, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland (Oregon) , Boulder, Minneapolis, and Washington D.C. – and to all 17 Alliance cities around the globe.
WASHINGTON, DC — March 30, 2015 — Mayor Bowser joined the mayors of 16 international cities across nine nations to launch the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance, a collaboration of global cities committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80 percent or more by 2050 or sooner—the most ambitious GHG emission reduction targets undertaken by any cities across the globe.
Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance cities are: Berlin, Germany Minneapolis, MN, USA Stockholm, Sweden Boston, MA, USA New York City, NY, USA Sydney, Australia Boulder, CO, USA Oslo, Norway Vancouver, Canada Copenhagen, Denmark Portland, OR, USA Washington DC, USA London, United Kingdom San Francisco, CA, USA Yokohama, Japan Melbourne, Australia Seattle, WA, USA
“Cities, like the District of Columbia, recognize that they are on the front lines of combatting climate change. We are committed to cutting our carbon emissions in order to avert the worst impacts of climate change,” said Mayor Bowser. “The District is showing that we can cut emissions while we create pathways to the middle class for our residents.”