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Mayors sign Chicago Climate Charter; will strive to meet Paris accord goals

Codes and Standards

Mayors sign Chicago Climate Charter; will strive to meet Paris accord goals

Pledge to push for more local authority to reduce emissions.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | December 14, 2017

Dozens of mayors from around the globe signed the Chicago Climate Charter early this month.

According to reports, 51 mayors attended the event, though it was unclear how many mayors signed the charter. The agreement is intended to spur cities to reach greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, similar to the Paris climate accord.

According to USA Today, the charter calls for:

— Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by an aggregate of at least 26% to 28% below the 2005 level by 2025. That would meet the commitment the Obama administration made for the U.S. in the Paris accord.

— Quantify, track, and publicly report the progress toward reaching each city's individual commitments.

— Advocate for greater local authority to allow municipal leaders to develop policies and local laws to have a greater impact on climate issues.

— Include women, racial and ethnic minorities, indigenous people, people with disabilities, and other marginalized communities in developing climate policy.

— Recognize the fiscal and social costs of carbon, and work toward “a just transition” for those impacted by changing policies.

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