Salt Lake City, UT Climate Action Plan
Type: Policy
Status: In effect
Source File: http://www.slcgreen.com/CAP/default.htm
Description:
Salt Lake City has joined with 650 local governments from around the world in an effort to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases within their communities and to make a concerted effort to stop climate change. Salt Lake City joined the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Campaign to help lead the international effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions by implementing measures at the local level in the transportation, energy and waste sectors. Over 150 cities and counties, representing 20% of the nation’s population, have joined the campaign, which is coordinated by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI).
Global warming can be seen as an indicator of environmental degradation caused by the unsustainable consumption of natural resources, inefficient use of energy, and the over-production of waste. Climate protection essentially means addressing other local problems in a way that significantly improves efficiency and prudence in the use of energy resources.
Through measures already implemented, Salt Lake City municipal operations have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 31% since 2001, well below the targets of the Kyoto Protocol. Over twenty percent of the electricity used at the City-County Building is from renewable wind energy that does not contribute to global warming. As more climate protection measures are implemented, Salt Lake City will become less dependent on energy sources that cause environmental degradation.
Salt Lake City Corporation’s goal is to reduce GHG emissions by 3% per year for the next 10 years, with a long-term goal of reducing emissions 70% by 2040.
Action Plan Details