How city mayors are taking action on climate change | Eric Garcetti

TL;DR

In this conversation, Mayor Garcetti discusses the importance of prioritizing climate action in cities, the role of mayors in addressing the climate crisis, and the intersection of racial equity and climate change.

Transcript

and so i mean let's just i think dive right into it you know as the mayor of one of the largest cities in the world you undoubtedly you know have a myriad of challenges and crises at any given moment that you're having to juggle and by becoming the chair of c40 cities you've kind of put a stake in the ground and put a spotlight on climate so you kn... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 Cities have a unique role in prioritizing climate action due to their growing population and economic influence. Mayors can learn from one another and implement policies that promote green jobs, reduce emissions, and create a more equitable society. The climate crisis will be the defining crisis of our time, and this decade must be a decade of action.
• 💡 The Global Green New Deal is a vision that combines the need to save the planet with the need to create a just and inclusive economy. Solving the climate crisis and addressing economic inequality are interconnected and should be prioritized together. The transition to green industries presents an opportunity for cities to plan for the future and ensure their economic prosperity.
• 🏙 Los Angeles has taken significant steps to address climate change, focusing on three main areas: energy generation, transportation, and building sustainability. The city is transitioning to renewable energy sources, expanding its electric bus fleet, and implementing measures to make buildings more energy-efficient. These actions not only help combat climate change but also improve air quality and create jobs.
• 🌐 C40 Cities, a network of mayors around the world, serves as a platform for sharing ideas and best practices in climate action. Mayors learn from one another and gain inspiration from successful initiatives implemented in cities globally. Collaboration among cities is crucial in pushing national governments to take more decisive climate action.
• 🦠 The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the work of C40 and climate action. However, it has also presented an opportunity to prioritize climate action in recovery efforts. The Task Force established by C40 focuses on a green and inclusive recovery, aiming to build sustainable and resilient economies, create jobs, and address social and racial inequities.
• 💔 The pandemic has revealed and exacerbated existing social and racial inequities. C40 recognizes the intersection between social and racial equity and climate action, leading to a commitment to centering racial equity in the network's work. Leadership from diverse backgrounds is essential, and C40 is intentional in ensuring representation and incorporating equity into decision-making processes.
• 💬 Meaningful conversations around social and racial equity are facilitated through internal reflection and measurement. Cities must examine their own biases and take concrete actions to address racial and social disparities. Community groups, facilitated discussions, and holding leaders accountable are crucial tools for fostering conversations around these issues.
• 🌎 Cities play a significant role in driving climate action and change, but they need support and collaboration from federal governments. Federal governments should recognize the importance of cities and create policies that enable them to take bold climate action. Individuals also have a role to play through local engagement and demanding change from their local and national governments.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do you think it's important for cities to prioritize climate action right now?

It is important for cities to prioritize climate action because cities are facing significant challenges and crises such as the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The climate crisis does not care about borders and affects cities all over the world. Cities are the most populous areas in the world and have a major impact on global GDP. By prioritizing climate action, cities can work together to address the challenges and work towards a more just and equitable future.

Q: Can you explain the concept of a global green new deal?

The global green new deal is about combining the challenges of climate change and the disruption caused by mass migration. It recognizes that saving the planet is not enough if social and economic inequality still persists. The idea is to solve the climate crisis while also creating a more just and equitable economy. The green industries of the future can provide green jobs and economic growth, and cities should plan for this transition and not be left behind.

Q: How has Los Angeles enacted climate action in terms of transportation, buildings, and energy?

Los Angeles has taken aggressive steps to address climate change in three main areas: transportation, buildings, and energy. They have been transitioning their energy sources away from fossil fuels by closing down natural gas electricity plants and replacing them with solar energy. They are also moving towards electric transportation, with plans to convert all buses to electric buses. In terms of buildings, they are working to make buildings more energy-efficient and transitioning to clean electricity.

Q: How has the pandemic affected the work of C40 Cities and climate action?

The pandemic has had a significant impact on the work of C40 Cities and climate action. C40 Cities established a task force to focus on climate action in recovery efforts. This task force aims to ensure that cities prioritize green and equitable recovery plans, supporting economic growth while considering climate and social justice. The pandemic has also created an opportunity for cities to implement new strategies, such as pedestrianizing streets and promoting sustainable transportation, to build back better and address climate change.

Q: How is C40 centering social and racial equity in its work?

C40 is placing social and racial equity at the center of its work by actively involving diverse voices and perspectives. They have established quotas for representation from different regions and prioritize gender and racial equity. C40 has also formed partnerships with community groups and facilitated conversations to address social justice issues. Additionally, they are advocating for green and racially-inclusive economic recovery plans to ensure economic prosperity for all communities.

Q: What tools are used to facilitate conversations on social equity and justice in communities?

Facilitating meaningful conversations on social equity and justice in communities requires various tools and approaches. It is important to start by developing a collective understanding and ownership of racial equity as a central value. Tools such as community groups, facilitator-led discussions, and internal assessments of bias and inclusivity can help engage individuals and develop plans for racial equity. Measuring progress, setting goals, and holding leaders accountable are also vital tools to ensure meaningful conversations translate into action.

Q: What do cities need from their governments, and how can individuals contribute to bringing about change?

Cities need support and collaboration from their governments to address climate change effectively. National governments should recognize the importance of cities and provide assistance in the form of funding, policies, and resources. Individuals can contribute by actively engaging in local initiatives, advocating for climate action, and holding their governments accountable. By participating in community discussions, supporting sustainable practices, and voting for leaders who prioritize climate action, individuals can play a crucial role in bringing about change from the grassroots level.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Cities are facing numerous challenges and crises, and prioritizing climate action is important because climate issues do not care about borders and affect all cities.

• C40 is a network of mayors representing the world's most populous metro areas, working together to promote green jobs and policies that combat climate change.

• Los Angeles, under Mayor Garcetti's leadership, is taking action on climate change by transitioning to clean energy, promoting electric transportation, and implementing green building practices, among other initiatives.