NBC11.com
San Francisco Emissions Beat Kyoto Protocol
POSTED: 2:29 pm PDT August 5, 2008
UPDATED: 3:02 pm PDT August 5, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO --
By John Boitnott, Web ProducerA national organization that measures the progress made by cities and counties in curbing greenhouse gas emissions has estimated that by 2005, San Francisco had achieved a 5 percent reduction in emissions below 1990 level.
"We are already on pace to exceed the goal of a 7 percent reduction in greenhouse gases set by the Kyoto Protocol," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "With the aggressive policies and initiatives being put forth by my administration, we can continue to move towards our goal of 20 percent reduction by 2012.""ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability" determined the statistics. The agency reported that while San Francisco has reduced emissions 5 percent since 1990, there has been a downturn of 8 percent from the city's peak emissions in 2000.The city set its own goal of reaching 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2012.The community-wide inventory included greenhouse gas emissions generated in San Francisco by residents, businesses and commuters, as well as municipal operations.The inventory also included emissions from both transportation sources and from building energy sources.Nearly 900 cities, towns and counties are members of ICLEI. ICLEI works with local governments through international performance-based, results-oriented campaigns and programs, according to the agency's Web site."Today we recognize San Francisco as a true leader and innovator on climate protection and part of an elite group of cities driving action and inspiring others," said ICLEI Executive Director Michelle Wyman. "From green building standards and their commitment to recycling and waste reduction, San Francisco illustrates the power of a local government to proactively address global warming while enhancing the community."The report from ICLEI showed that the vast majority of transportation emissions in the city came from car traffic.San Francisco road vehicle emissions had actually decreased since 1990, the report claimed.
By John Boitnott, Web ProducerA national organization that measures the progress made by cities and counties in curbing greenhouse gas emissions has estimated that by 2005, San Francisco had achieved a 5 percent reduction in emissions below 1990 level.
| The year 1990 is the baseline year for greenhouse gas emissions in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which set the target at a 7 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2012. |
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