{"id":15862,"date":"2017-06-28T17:40:00","date_gmt":"2017-06-28T21:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/energyexchange\/?p=15862"},"modified":"2017-06-28T17:45:22","modified_gmt":"2017-06-28T21:45:22","slug":"how-cities-are-using-clean-energy-commitments-to-prosper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/energyexchange\/2017\/06\/28\/how-cities-are-using-clean-energy-commitments-to-prosper\/","title":{"rendered":"How cities are using clean energy commitments to prosper"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Cities have long been testing grounds for policy innovation. That identity is critical as we barrel headfirst into an urbanized world. As of 2014, 54 percent of the world\u2019s population lived in urban areas, and the United Nations estimates that by 2050, over 6 billion people will live in cities<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So, it only makes practical and economic sense that local leaders around the world have doubled-downed on addressing one of, if not the<\/em>, biggest threats to humans and the planet we call home: climate change.<\/p>\n

In fact, over 300 U.S. mayors<\/a> have reaffirmed their commitment to meet the climate reduction goals set forth in the 2016 Paris Agreement.<\/p>\n

Leading American cities<\/strong><\/p>\n

After President Trump called out Pittsburgh in his announcement to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, the city announced its plan<\/a> to go 100 percent renewable.<\/p>\n

The \u201cSteel City\u201d is among a rapidly growing cohort of global urban centers in red and blue states, and in the developing and developed world, that have committed to act on climate and use more clean energy.<\/p>\n

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That said, ensuring all residents can access clean energy, are included in planning, and are rightfully considered recognizing structural and historic barriers is essential for cities. This requires that considerations of equity and access move beyond pilot programs and testing, and truly drive the culture and objectives of local agencies.<\/p>\n

California is home to two great examples of cities making equity and access, with measurable standards, fundamental to climate and clean energy commitments and operations of local services and the future workforce:<\/p>\n