Since COP21 was held in Paris in December 2015, local governments have gained greater global attention for taking bold steps in combatting climate change. These steps are critical if the nations that signed onto the Paris Agreement are to meet their commitments. Renewable energy is a powerful tool for reducing GHG emissions and local governments that make 100% renewable energy targets show political leadership and empower municipal staff to develop comprehensive plans for their community energy use in electricity, heating/cooling, and transportation.
This dialogue was the first of its kind in North America where municipalities could learn from each other and discuss the process, challenges, and opportunities of setting 100% renewable energy targets and planning how to reach them. It is the product of a partnership that combines the technical expertise of ICLEI USA, Sierra Club’s experience working with American cities on 100% renewable energy and Renewable Cities’ skills in dialogue facilitation. All three organizations are deeply committed to amplifying the leadership cities are showing in transitioning to renewable energy, as demonstrated by San Francisco, whose Department of Environment joined our organizations to host this dialogue.
Participants included sustainability and energy managers, city managers, city planners, economic development officers, and public officials (including mayors). They represented 19 unique municipalities that ranged from small to large, from rural to urban centres, and came from the U.S. East Coast, West Coast, Midwest and from Canada. The list of participants is included in Appendix B.
