CommentsBEGREEN— Mayor Eric Garcetti brought Climate Mayors together for the first time since affirming that hundreds of mayors would adopt, honor and uphold the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement in cities across America. While rallying other mayors to join with the network, Mayor Garcetti was also joined in a ceremonial signing of the Climate Mayors' commitment to adopt the Paris goals in their cities.
Mayor Garcetti, the chair and co-founder of the group, also named three new Climate Mayors co-chairs: Mayor Marty Walsh of Boston, Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston and Mayor Madeline Rogero of Knoxville.
“Since the President withdrew the U.S . from the Paris Agreement, mayors in cities across America have come together to say ‘Enough’ — we will not let the future of our planet be jeopardized by inaction at the top,” said Mayor Garcetti. “We are committed to carrying the fight against climate change forward in our cities, and I am honored to have Mayors Walsh, Turner and Rogero leading this effort with me.”
Mayor Garcetti co-founded the bipartisan Climate Mayors — formerly known as the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda — in 2014. When the President withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement earlier this month, 61 mayors responded forcefully with strong commitments to upholding the Paris goals in their cities.
Since that time, participation in the group has soared to 331 mayors, representing more than 65 million Americans. Members include the 10 largest cities in America — New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and San Jose. Mayors in 44 states have passed resolutions, signed executive orders, and taken other actions in hundreds of cities to demonstrate their commitment.
“Boston is a coastal city, putting us on the front lines of climate change,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “We are facing this challenge head-on, from leading on energy efficiency, championing active transportation, and investing in green jobs. I am proud to be a co-chair, standing alongside other mayors, united in our commitment to addressing climate change.”
“As the Energy Capital of the world, it’s our responsibility to find sustainable ways to power the future,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “By investing in green power, improving building efficiency, and revitalizing our green spaces, Houston is proof that large industrial cities can act on climate and maintain a robust, growing economy. Together, Climate Mayors can honor our commitments to protect our climate and the health of our communities.”
“Whether in a Red State or a Blue State, a large metropolis or a mid-sized Southern city, mayors know that acting on climate creates economic opportunity, protects our citizens, and positions our cities for long-term success,” said Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero. “I am proud to work alongside other Climate Mayors to advance efforts that improve our communities while showing the world that U.S. cities support global action on climate.”
In Los Angeles, Mayor Garcetti has led the effort to make L.A. the most sustainable city in America. In April 2015, he introduced the city’s first ever Sustainable City pLAn, a comprehensive roadmap that lays out measurable long-term goals for efforts like conserving water, creating green jobs, expanding the use of electric vehicles, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% below 1990 levels by 2025, and 80% by 2050. The City is on track to meet 90% of the pLAn’s 2017 goals.
You can see the text, map of and full list of signatories to the Climate Mayors commitment to adopt the Paris Agreement goals.
(This report provided by office of Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti.)
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