Cities’ ‘Race to Zero’ to reduce their carbon footprint and adapt to the changing climate are highlighted in the latest United Nations report on climate change.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report focused on the ways the world can reduce emissions today. The authors have pointed to the Race to Zero initiative, an effort of more than a thousand cities around the world to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.
Cheryl Selby, mayor of Olympia, said the goal is important and achievable, even for smaller cities such as Washington’s state capital, which is focused on the issue.
“For a city our size, we definitely, I would say, punch above our weight on climate,” Selby contended. “We’re very aspirational and ambitious around our policies and not afraid to take some strong positions and take some risks.”
Selby pointed out Olympia has been working on climate resiliency with its Sea-Level Rise Response Plan. She noted the city is at greater risk of flooding as the planet warms since it sits at sea level.
The organization ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA supports a coalition of cities in the Race to Zero. It published a report last year, which found cities and counties need to reduce their greenhouse-gas emissions by 63% by 2030 in order to stay on track for the goals set out in the Paris Climate Agreement.
Angie Fyfe, executive director of the group, said the number can seem pretty daunting, especially with just eight years left until the end of the decade.
“We then started looking at the pathways to achieve that and realized that we don’t have to invent new technology,” Fyfe explained. “All of the technologies are already here. The policy instruments that need to be put in place, again, already exist and in many communities are already in place. So that was hopeful.”
Selby is also hopeful local governments can get on the right track to reduce emissions.
“If smaller cities like ours can start to make an impact,” Selby emphasized. “Then you have that multiplier effect spread out across your whole state, and you work together and share best practices and share the information, then there’s a greater opportunity for us to make the planet inhabitable for our children.”
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Itano pointed out alcohol use disorder has serious health consequences, including an increased risk of multiple types of cancers. He cautioned drinking is sometimes seen as a method of self-treatment for underlying mental-health concerns, such as depression or anxiety.
“If you ever feel like you’re starting to go down that path where you’re drinking more alcohol than you typically do, or you’re feeling more stressed or anxious or depressed, and drinking at the same time, reach out early,” Itano recommended. “That’s our job here as primary care clinicians, and we’re comfortable dealing with this and want to help.”
Given how common the disease is, Itano emphasized most people know someone who has struggled with it or still is struggling. He suggested speaking directly to the person if you feel there is an issue.
“I think the important thing is just calling it out and having a face-to-face conversation, conveying your level of concern and that you care about them, and just what you’ve noticed and witnessed,” Itano outlined. “And then, seeing what they say from there.”
Eric Tegethoff is a journalist covering the Northwest. Eric has worked as a reporter for KBOO, XRAY FM, and Oregon Public Broadcasting in Portland, Oregon, as well as other print and digital news media. In 2012, Eric traveled to North Dakota to write about the Bakken region oil boom. He’s also worked at a movie theater, as a campaign canvasser, and quality assurance at a milk packaging factory. Eric is originally from Orlando, Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida in 2010.
The above article was provided by Washington News Service. The Auburn Examiner has not independently verified its content.
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