Local Leaders in the ICLEI USA Network Support International Climate Action
ICLEI USA mayors and council members comprise the U.S. delegation to the COP21 events in Paris The national government of the United States has walked away from international climate action by announcing its intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement — ICLEI and its members have not. Since the early 1990’s – long before President […]
ICLEI and partners COP21 update: Compact of Mayors
During a side event of COP21 – December 7 in Paris ICLEI and its partners provided an update to the UNFCCC negotiators with the achievements of the Compact of Mayors and created a dialogue to explore options for enhanced engagement of local and subnational governments in raising the level of ambition and accelerating climate action at all levels based on the outcomes of the COP21 in Paris.
U.S. House Calls for Near-Zero GHG Emissions by 2050
November 30, U.S. Congressional Progressive Caucus introduced a House Resolution calling for near-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, generating 50% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2050.
Local Climate Leaders Circle Delegation Makes an Impact
ICLEI co-hosted a delegation of mayors and local officials called the Local Climate Leaders Circle for one week in Paris, and hardly a moment was lost. From panels to summits to bilateral meetings; with Senators, Cabinet officials, and mayors from around the world; in the “Blue Zone” to City Hall and everywhere in between – the Leaders Circle represented US local governments admirably, and the partners ICLEI, NLC, WWF, and USGBC could not be prouder. In the end, the US boasted the largest delegation of local officials of any of the almost 200 nations in Paris, and they made their voices heard.
What’s at Stake in the COP Negotiations
The 21st Conference of Parties represents the biggest opportunity for agreeing on an international climate framework in many years. After years of preparations, it is almost certain that some agreement will be reached – but the strength of the agreement is an open question. Local officials have a key role to play in showcasing solutions and inspiring and advocating for an ambitious approach.
Clean Technology for a Clean Environment
ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability and Shenzhen Low-Carbon Development Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the 21st annual meeting of Conference of Parties (COP) in Paris. The climate collaborative agreement stems off of the Parties shared and firm belief that a clean environment and a strong economy can co-exist, and clean energy technology is one of the key paths to ensuring a clean environment and a prosperous future.
U.S. Transformative Action Projects on Stage at COP21
Today in Paris, four transformative U.S. climate projects took stage at COP21. Moderated by ICLEI USA Efficiency and Renewables Director, Angie Fyfe, the panel included Boulder Colorado’s resilience project and three California projects: transport in Santa Monica, Community Choice Aggregation of renewables in Richmond, and carbon sequestration in San Francisco.
Defending the Clean Power Plan
On November 5th, ICLEI’s Local Climate Leaders Circle – a delegation of U.S. local elected officials who will travel with ICLEI USA to COP21 in Paris – issued a letter to EPA Administrator, Gina McCarthy to underscore the importance of the Clean Power Plan to an international climate agreement. A delay in implementing the Clean Power Plan will considerably undermine the ability of the U.S. to negotiate with other countries for a meaningful agreement in Paris.
100% Renewable…can it be done?
ICLEI is proud to announce our Global 100% renewable energy cities and regions network!