Climate Conversations
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Mission
    • Advisors
    • COP 28 Ambassadors
    • COP 27 Ambassadors
    • Alumni
  • Climate Conversation
    • Policy
    • Science and Technology
    • Science Communication
    • COP Collection
    • Opinion
  • Media
  • Apply

Climate Conversations


Chris Jackson: Big (Clean & Sustainable) City Dreams 

3/12/2015

1 Comment

 
If you want to see what’s really being done to curb climate change, go to the cities.  Today’s highlight was watching a dynamic panel of city leaders at the U.S. pavilion, moderated by George Hartwell, Mayor of Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Three very different cities, each with a unique message.  Here’s a (brief) breakdown:
 
Maija Lukin – Councilwoman in Kotzebue, Alaska
  • Population: 3200 people
  • Environment: Gravel spit above the Arctic Circle – mainly permafrost
  • Problems: Food security (caribou, seals, fish), coastal erosion, diminishing sea ice
  • Adaptations: Shore Avenue Project made significant improvements to mitigate coastal erosion and prevent the city from being swallowed by the ocean
  • Lessons learned: Cities can’t wait for funding, direction, etc.  They must act now!
 
Libby Schaaf – Mayor of Oakland, California
  • Population: Over 400,000 people
  • Environment: 20 miles of waterfront property along the San Francisco Bay
  • Problems: Emissions, income disparities
  • Adaptations:
  • Lessons learned: Policies can be comprehensive and achieve other social equity goals.  We must consciously involve citizens in the climate change dialogue.
 
Jorgen Abilgaard – Executive Climate Project Director in Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Population: ~2 million people (metropolitan area)
  • Environment: Urban, eastern coast of Zealand
  • Problems: Extreme rainfall, growing population
  • Adaptations: Wind turbines, Low Energy Class buildings, climate plan developed with industry & investment stakeholders, C40 network (carbon neutral cities alliance)
  • Lessons learned: Look for climate partners in business, universities, and other cities to develop sustainable innovation.
 
So now you’re wondering: but I don’t live in one of those cities.  Short of packing up and moving there, what can I do?  The good news is that at the city level, it’s easy and necessary for you to get involved!  Cities serve as the testing ground for different practices and adaptation strategies.  Action in our local communities proves to world leaders that it can be done, paid for, and things can change for the better.
 
50% of the world’s population lives in cities, and that number is predicted to reach 67% in the near future.  Even in a worst-case scenario, where countries fail to pass a binding treaty to curb emissions at COP21, cities around the world can and will take on the fight against climate change.
Picture
With Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf
1 Comment
#ObamaCare
4/12/2015 10:30:42 am

Obama don't care.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All
    SDG 01: No Poverty
    SDG 02: Zero Hunger
    SDG 03: Good Health And Well-Being
    SDG 04: Quality Education
    SDG 05: Gender Equality
    SDG 06: Clean Water And Sanitation
    SDG 07: Affordable And Clean Energy
    SDG 08: Decent Work And Economic Growth
    SDG 09: Industry Innovation And Infrastructure
    SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
    SDG 11: Sustainable Cities And Communities
    SDG 12: Responsible Consumption And Production
    SDG 13: Climate Action
    SDG 14: Life Below Water
    SDG 16: Peace Justice And Strong Institutions

    Archives

    March 2024
    February 2024
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    March 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    June 2022
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    April 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo from Noel Feans
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Mission
    • Advisors
    • COP 28 Ambassadors
    • COP 27 Ambassadors
    • Alumni
  • Climate Conversation
    • Policy
    • Science and Technology
    • Science Communication
    • COP Collection
    • Opinion
  • Media
  • Apply