Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  September 24, 2018

27 cities announce GHG emissions cuts

Twenty-seven cities around the globe report they have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10% since their respective peaks posted within the last five years. U.S. cities who have reached this level include Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Portland, OR.

A report by Utility Dive noted that these cities took actions including improvements to the electric grid and energy consumption, promoting cleaner transportation options and improving waste management in order to achieve emissions cuts. All cities on the list are part of the C40 climate action group, which currently has 73 member cities that aim to uphold the principles of the Paris Agreement and have committed to being carbon neutral by 2050.

"To prevent the worst impacts of climate change, we have to cut greenhouse gas emissions even as the population grows. Cities are showing that it can be done — and that the same steps they're taking to reduce their carbon footprint are also strengthening their local economies, creating jobs, and improving public health," Michael Bloomberg, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Action and President of the C40 Board, said in a statement.