Mayors, citizens key to Paris climate accord’s future, and Idahoans are helping
Public response has been swift. Virtually all world leaders, as well as major corporations and more than 500 mayors and governors, adopted and reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris climate agreement. They all recognize the way forward will take everyone.
Perhaps most promising has been the municipal leadership demonstrated across the country. More than 80 mayors, including Boise Mayor Dave Bieter, signed on to the Paris accord. This move by mayors demonstrates the newest and most effective arena for climate action in the era of President Donald Trump.
Analysis done by the Sierra Club shows that this brand of municipal leadership can achieve upwards of 60 percent of the emission goals set in the agreement. It is why the Sierra Club has been working with cities to set a 100 percent clean energy goal through our Ready for 100 and Mayors for Clean Energy campaigns. Currently more than 25 cities have committed.
The Idaho Chapter of Sierra Club has focused on the city of Boise to lead based on its history, climate action efforts and willingness to drive innovation in the state. Currently, the city of Boise is pursuing a renewable energy plan that will eventually define a percentage goal for citywide renewable energy use.
This most recent commitment by Bieter to uphold the Paris deal and increase Boise’s investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency is an example of exactly the type of leadership that Idaho needs. On June 27 Boise City Council Pro Tem Lauren McClean will sponsor the funding to continue work on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
As Boise continues to pursue climate solutions that protect our environment and enrich our community, we are thankful for the city’s leadership and vision. The Sierra Club hopes that you will join us in showing support to our city officials to join other cities around the country that are formally planning for a 100 percent clean, renewable energy future.
Casey Mattoon is the conservation program manager of the Sierra Club.
This story was originally published June 8, 2017 at 10:38 PM with the headline "Mayors, citizens key to Paris climate accord’s future, and Idahoans are helping."