Chicago Department of Environment’s Post

The Biden Administration has released the updated U.S. Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) today, setting a path to net zero emissions, a stronger economy, healthier communities, and better wellbeing across the United States. The ambitious targets rely heavily on leadership and action from cities, states, and businesses. Up to 62% of these goals can be achieved through the efforts of non-federal actors. Read reactions from the C40 Cities mayors of Austin, Boston, Chicago,  Phoenix and Seattle: https://c40.me/3ZGC2xC Despite political obstacles, U.S. cities and mayors will continue leading emissions reductions while creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and improving residents' quality of life.

#Cities are key players: "between 54-62% of national targets can be achieved by continued, high-ambition actions from non-federal actors, even in the context of federal inactions or rollbacks."

It's a BIG DAY because we're celebrating TWO years of the historic Inflation Reduction Act! In just two short years, the Affordable Clean Energy Plan has made a significant impact on our economy, environment, and the well-being of American families. This transformative initiative has: ✅ Created over 312,900 good-paying jobs, providing new opportunities for workers across the country. ✅ Saved families a collective $8.4 billion in energy costs, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans. ✅ Driven an impressive $361 billion in climate investments, fueling innovation and ensuring a more sustainable future for generations to come. These achievements are not just statistics-- they represent real progress toward a cleaner, more equitable economy. This success was made possible by strong climate champions, including a pivotal tie-breaking vote by Vice President Kamala Harris in the Senate that ensured the Affordable Clean Energy Plan became a reality. The Affordable Clean Energy Plan is more than a policy; it’s a pathway to a better, healthier future for all.

The truth is, a healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand in hand. Investing in programs that protect our Earth for future generations will create jobs, boost economic growth and make our communities cleaner, more prosperous places to live. This Earth Day, we have all the tools we need to begin building a better future for Southwestern Pennsylvania. https://lnkd.in/ejQAeU9U

Was The Labour Party Conference defined by the weather? 🌧️ two days of wet and grey were matched only by a gloomy economic forecast and dampened expectations for the year ahead 🌥️ a gusty breeze on the final morning cleared the air for at least a glimmer of blue-sky thinking and some silver-linings of optimism ☀️ finally, the clouds parted just in time for the Leader's speech with a somewhat brighter outlook and a hint of hope The new government certainly has ambition and shows real determination for delivering #nationalrenewal, backed by business and a third sector raring to go; but its vision for the future won't be clear until it starts to translate missions into actions, and actually implements plans which are still hazy on detail. So #changebegins - just not quite yet, and exactly how remains to be seen. Whatever our path to prosperity, #responsibleinvestment must form the guardrails and the signposts for getting there, because the financial system is central to every challenge we face - from health to nature, and energy to inequality. It was great to have the opportunity to make that case directly to Ministers, MPs and Select Committee Chairs, and I look forward to continuing those conversations with them back in Westminster. We're ready to share our solutions with the government to help them see the light, lift the clouds and lead the way to a sunnier, sustainable future for the UK.

What do mayors expect from the European Commission to support urban development? Our #EurocitiesPulse Mayors Survey 2024 explores the top priorities from our city leaders to advancing cities' agendas, such as sustainable urban mobility, the establishment of an Urban Envoy, enhanced capacity for climate action, and a 'real' social climate fund. In the wake of the European elections and of the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission, our message is clear: the EU must empower us and boost our capacity to act! Learn more about the Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey 2024: https://lnkd.in/e7vtaPWT Here are the top five priorities 👇

A Trump presidency looks grim for cities, but there are grains of hope The re-election of Donald #Trump as President of the United States has been the ballot that has been heard around the world, and perhaps nowhere more than in #cities trying to adapt to #climate change and mitigate its effects. While urban development policy was hardly in either party's manifestos, given that more half the world's population live in cities — rising to around seven out of 10 people by 2050 — any dramatic policy changes under a Trump administration will be felt on the ground. The leaders of the C40 group of the world’s largest cities unsurprisingly gave Trump’s election a sombre welcome, conceding that progress was not inevitable while insisting that asserting progressive values was more important than ever. “It’s deeply disappointing to see a climate crisis denier back in the White House. But mayors have always led on climate, and Donald Trump’s election doesn’t change that,” says C40 Cities Executive Director, Mark Watts. Therein lies the hope: Watts is right in that mayors of cities kept the green transition alive in their jurisdictions during the first Trump presidency and will do so from Monday 20 January next year — Inauguration Day. Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone and C40 Co-Chair, said cities are already tackling a climate crisis that is a “lived reality”.  https://wix.to/ouB5YC9

Ottawa, Canada K1R 7X1🇨🇦 September 22, 2024 By: Dr. Richard Francis Viktor Hogan Re: Humanity’s Challenges Humanity’s Challenges In the heart of bustling cities, where neon lights gleam bright, Amidst the hum of engines, and the silence of the night, We face the trials of modern life, with courage and with might, Yet often find ourselves adrift, in the endless fight. The digital age has dawned, with screens that never sleep, Connections made in cyberspace, yet loneliness runs deep. We chase the fleeting likes and shares, in a virtual heap, Forgetting that true happiness, is something we must keep. The planet groans beneath our weight, its resources running thin, Climate change and pollution, are battles we must win. Yet greed and apathy persist, in hearts where they begin, And the future of our children, grows ever more akin. Injustice and inequality, still plague our global land, The rich grow richer every day, while the poor make their stand. We dream of peace and harmony, a world that’s truly grand, But find ourselves divided, by lines drawn in the sand. Amidst the noise and chaos, we search for inner peace, A moment’s quiet reflection, where all our worries cease. To find the balance in our lives, and let our burdens release, Is the challenge of humanity, a quest that will not cease. So let us strive together, to build a better place, Where empathy and kindness, are values we embrace. For in the face of challenges, we find our saving grace, In the unity of human hearts, and the love we all can trace. -30-

🌟 Building a Better Britain: Join the Conversation! 🌟 We’re excited to share our YouTube series, Building a Better Britain an insider’s look at the UK's most ambitious real estate and infrastructure projects! Hosted by former Senior Government Advisor Ummar Hanif, this series explores how we can create a stronger, more prosperous future for the next generation. From cutting-edge technological advancements to transformative urban developments, each episode dives deep into the strategies shaping Britain’s future. Expect thought-provoking discussions, expert insights and stories that inspire action. We explore: 🔹 What’s holding the UK back from achieving its full potential? 🔹 How can we tackle these challenges to unlock new opportunities for growth? 🎥 Watch here: https://lnkd.in/eNha3BgU 💡 We want to hear from you! What do you think are the biggest barriers to economic growth in the UK? How can government, private sector, and local communities work together to overcome them? What examples of innovative projects have inspired you recently? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share your insights with the hashtag #BuildingABetterBritain. Let’s spark a conversation about creating a brighter future! 📩 Want to stay updated on the series? Subscribe to our channel and join the journey. #UKDevelopment #Sustainability #InfrastructureInnovation #EconomicGrowth

🎬 Live from Pinewood Studios: Our Chief Executive Christopher Hammond was among the key stakeholders invited to hear the Prime Minister's #PlanForChange speech this morning. We're hopeful that being in the room for these crucial policy announcements demonstrates the growing recognition of local leadership in shaping the UK's future. From ambitious planning reforms to renewed focus on devolution, there's potential for real change that could empower our network of local leaders. But the devil, as always, is in the detail. We'll be carefully analysing these proposals to understand how they'll support our members — the most ambitious local leaders on climate and clean energy — in delivering climate solutions for their communities. Stay tuned as we unpack what this all means for local climate action over the coming weeks and months. 🔍