WHY 50% BY 2030?
We want the City of Kingston to commit to a reduction of at least 50% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, in line with climate science and centering on social justice – to build a greener, fairer, more livable city.
THE SCIENCE SAYS SO
According to the IPCC and climate scientists like Johan Rockström, we need to reduce our emissions on a pathway that would include a 50% reduction by 2030 and a 100% reduction by 2050 if we are to stay on a 1.5°C pathway, and preserve a safe climate future.
THE PARIS ACCORD
One of the stated goals of the Paris Accord is to limit warming to 2°C and aim to maintain it below 1.5°C. That means reducing our emissions 50% by 2030.
THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY DECLARATION
Part of the Climate Emergency Declaration adopted by the city is the idea that we must avoid the worst impacts of climate change and be in line with the Paris Accord. That means reducing our emissions 50% by 2030.
OTHER CITIES ARE LEADING THE WAY
In 2019, Kingston became the first municipality in Ontario to declare a climate emergency, but we are lagging behind dozens of major cities worldwide in our own commitments to climate action and justice. Cities are responsible for roughly 70% of global emissions and hence need to be leads on driving solutions to reduce emissions, and slow the climate crisis. Taking bold climate action means being part of a growing global clean economy that is creating jobs and driving innovation for a far healthier and safer climate future. You can see more on other cities’ commitments to the Paris Accord at C40.org and ExponentialRoadmap.org. Let’s live up to our tagline: “Where history and innovation thrive” and show some innovation in tackling the climate crisis.
More information...
For more general information on Climate Science, news and steps you can take to address climate change, check out the website: 350Kingston.org
Thanks to the Waterloo Region website 50by30wr.ca from which much of the content of this page was lifted.