Los Angeles has become the largest US city to commit to moving to 100% renewable power – as part if its refreshed Green New Deal pLAn launched this week.
The roadmap responds to the ‘environmental emergency’ threatening humanity, with targets and initiatives ambitious enough to deliver a sustainable future. By transforming the building blocks of what will constitute a city robust enough to thrive in the face of the immense challenges this century poses, the plans will revolutionise ecosystems including: water, energy, jobs, the circular economy, and the environment, in a strategy Leonardo DiCaprio has labelled as ‘a global model for upholding the Paris Agreement through equity and an inclusive economy’.
Welcoming the plans, Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club, said: “Cities and states know the effects of climate change firsthand — but this announcement is further proof that they are also at the vanguard of taking bold and necessary action. Los Angeles’ plan is a testament to the progress that’s possible when communities step up and demand climate solutions. Despite its history of pollution, the city has installed the most solar of any city in the country — and now it’s aiming for 100% renewable energy across the community. In a city known for gridlock, tailpipe pollution and smog, the commitment to electrifying buildings and transportation is a big deal.
“Last year, California showed its clean energy leadership by setting a statewide goal of 100% clean energy. Now, up and down the Golden State, communities from San Francisco to Los Angeles to San Diego are demonstrating how these goals spur action, and how everyone can benefit from clean energy policies that are created with and for the community. We applaud Mayor Garcetti for his climate leadership and we look forward to partnering with the city to implement this vision.”
Among the goals, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power will supply 100% renewable electricity by 2045; while greenhouse gas emissions in buildings will be cut by 50% by 2025, and 100% by 2050.
Iain is a writer, journalist and lecturer, and former editor of two international business magazines. Iain is now editor of Innovators Magazine, as well as the strategic content director for OnePoint5Media.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience, and also collects some information using Google Analytics. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
