A goal without a plan is just a wish. That adage is especially true for the near-universally held goal of reducing human-caused carbon emissions. Cities—where a growing majority of the world’s population lives, where about three quarters of global emissions are generated, and where the impacts of the climate crisis are increasingly felt—have a critical role to play in developing and implementing the requisite plan. Many plans, in fact, because cities are uniquely well positioned to tailor strategies to local circumstances for maximum effect.
“Cities set the trends and take the lead,” says Paul Cartwright, program manager for new-building efficiency with C40 Cities, a global network of major municipalities committed to addressing the climate crisis. “Even where cities don’t have direct powers, they still find ways to take a leadership role.” Parallel with such initiatives as the 2030 Challenge, and the AIA’s 2030 Commitment, C40’s member cities have pledged to ensure that new buildings operate at net zero carbon by 2030, and all buildings by 2050.
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