 Eco-Justice Collaborative
Living Responsibly for the Earth and All People
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Chicago Unveils Climate Action Plan
E-COnnections September, 2008 - Vol 3, Issue 5
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Greetings!
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Today, at a press conference held outside the Shedd Aquarium, Mayor Daley officially launched the Chicago Climate Action Plan, an ambitious program that will lead government, businesses and private citizens alike in significantly reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. This plan, the first municipal plan in the nation based on quantitative evaluations and projections, describes the effects climate change could have on the Chicago region and identifies steps all of us can take to work together to address the challenges ahead.
The scientific and economic analyses that form the foundation of the plan revealed that under a "business as usual' scenario, Chicago's greenhouse gas emissions could increase by 35% by 2050, bringing with it periods of intense heat, more frequent and stronger storm events, threats to community health and safety, as well as regional economic hardship. Mayor Daley presents the Chicago Climate Action Plan at a press conference held at the Shedd Aquarium on 9/18/08. Photo by EJC.
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Ambitious Program to Curb GHG Emissions
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Based on the City's 1990 levels, the plan proposes to achieve a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and an 80% reduction by 2050. Five strategies have been proposed, each with accompanying actions for greenhouse gas reduction: 1) energy efficient buildings; 2) clean and renewable energy sources; 3) improved transportation options; 4) reduced waste and industrial pollution; and 5) adaptation.
By
challenging everyone in the City to work together, the plan offers not only an
effective way to reduce the impacts of global climate change, but also an
opportunity to realize immediate economic and social benefits by raising air quality;
reducing energy costs; creating green jobs and improving quality of life for
the residents of Chicago. Click here to access the Climate Action Plan and supporting documentation.
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Just Solutions for All People
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Chicago has prepared a positive framework for responding to the global challenges of climate change. All of us need to do our part, helping to ensure that its goals and objectives are achieved, but also that:
- A priority is placed upon housing retrofits for low income communities and communities of color.
- Mass transit is extended to communities that have experienced cuts in bus and elevated train service, or where service does not exist.
- Green collar jobs that pay a dignified, living wage are provided to people who most need these jobs.
- Jobs training is provided so that all have the education needed to participate in this new green economy.
- Local food systems are created and access to good, quality food is assured for all people, especially those who are most vulnerable to escalating costs.
- Chicago invests in green chemistry, moving away from chemicals that poison our land, water, the air we breathe and, ultimately your bodies.
- Our resources are conserved and protected, and waste is not just minimized, but is substantially reduced and ultimately eliminated through efficiency and reuse.
Implementation of Chicago's Climate Action Plan needs to be more than "business as usual" if its goals are to be realized, and environmental justice assured.
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How Does this Affect Me?
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 We all can do something to reduce our emissions, whether it is walking or biking; replacing our light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs; expanding our use of public transportation; weatherizing our homes; planting a rain garden or a vegetable garden; etc. The Chicago Climate Action Plan includes tools and opportunities for helping make it easy to lower your carbon footprint and live more sustainably, including the City's $800 Savings Challenge. Financial incentives are being developed that may be able to help you upgrade your home so that you can save energy and money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Codes and ordinances are being updated and made user-friendly. Permits for green home improvements have been streamlined.
We hope to partner with City representatives in the near future so that you can learn more about Chicago's plan and take advantage of job training opportunities or financial incentives as they are developed. Watch our website for opportunities to learn more and be part of the solution!
© Diego Cervo | Dreamstime.com
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Eco-Justice
Collaborative links our lifestyles to our unconstrained use of resources, pollution, global climate change and global poverty and resource wars. This information
is not intended to make us all feel guilty, but rather to raise consciousness
and provide incentives to find ways to live that are more sustainable, giving
back life to our precious earth and all who inhabit it.
Visit our
website for recommended actions for
change that both individually and collectively will reduce our impact - or
ecological footprint - on our world, and move our country toward just, sustainable
living for all.
Sincerely,
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Pam and Lan Richart
Eco-Justice Collaborative
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