The new report, unveiled at the 88th USCM Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C., provides a detailed account of city and private programmes to reduce carbon pollution and promote sustainable development in 182 American cities. Another report also includes five detailed case studies from Los Angeles, California; Asheville, North Carolina; Salt Lake City, Utah; Chicago, Illinois; and Detroit, Michigan on how cities and utilities are working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Cities and their economic vitality are already threatened by climate change, with nearly every city (96 percent) experiencing at least one climate impact in the past five years (e.g. increased intensity of weather events, pest-borne diseases or population relocation). The report shows that 60 percent of cities have launched or significantly expanded a climate initiative or policy over the previous 12 months, and 57 percent of cities will launch or significantly expand a climate initiative or policy this year. The report also shows that businesses and local officials are eager to work together to address climate change and are already doing so across the country.
Key findings from the 182 cities include:
Cities Are Promoting Clean Transportation Solutions. Nearly 60 percent of city governments have green vehicle purchasing policies and an additional 26 percent are considering them today. Cities with this policy will account for 85 percent of new municipal vehicle purchases this year. 61 percent of cities support public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, with an additional 26 percent considering such action. Bike-share programs are also spreading quickly, with 93 cities reporting their presence – up from 67 cities in the previous year.
Renewable Energy Use is Growing. 51 percent of cities have a renewable energy goal, and an additional 21 percent are considering setting a goal. 67 percent of cities procure renewable electricity for municipal operations. 14 cities reported covering 100 percent of city government electricity demand with renewable sources, an increase from 8 cities in 2018. 54 percent of cities help citizens and businesses adopt renewable electricity options.
Cities are Taking on Building Efficiency. Two-thirds of cities have energy efficiency policies for municipal buildings, compared to just under half of cities in 2017. Additionally, 71 percent of cities conduct routine energy audits for city buildings. In an emerging trend, 29 percent of cities also support or require reporting of energy use for commercial buildings through benchmarking.
Partnerships with Stakeholders are Vital for Greater Impact. More than 87 percent of cities are partnering or interested in partnering with businesses in pursuit of transportation, renewable electricity and energy efficiency solutions. Cities continue to display great interest in partnering with businesses to advance energy efficiency, renewables and low-carbon transportation.
“Cities of all sizes are dealing with the effects of climate change” said USCM President and Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett. “In the past year, we’ve seen our communities ravaged by extreme flooding, snow and ice storms, wildfires, heat waves and drought. Mayors are taking action. Cities and private partners are leading the development of programmes to reduce carbon pollution and make our communities healthier, all while building the economy of the future. This problem isn’t going away, and mayors will continue working to make our cities more sustainable and protect our environment for future generations.”
C2ES President Bob Perciasepe added that the report shows just how effective local leaders can be when it comes to tackling international issues like climate change and that city governments are taking advantage of innovations in renewable energy, energy efficient buildings and low-carbon transportation, which have provien to be immensely valuable to communities and the US in general.
For additional information:
US Conference of Mayors (USCM)
