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Climate Action Planning: Step 2
Adopt a GHG Emission Reduction Target
After conducting a baseline GHG inventory, local governments are encouraged to identify target years to achieve reductions in GHG emissions. AB 32 mandates a statewide GHG emissions reduction target by 2020. As part of longer term community planning, cities and counties are also encouraged to establish goals to achieve 2030 and 2050 GHG reduction targets.
2020 Target Year
Cities and counties are encouraged to adopt a target to reduce GHG emissions 15% below today’s levels by 2020. This recommendation is based on California’s Climate Change Scoping Plan, which outlines actions to achieve the AB 32 mandate. Cities and counties are encouraged to set a 15% GHG reduction target for both municipal operations and the community as a whole based on the most current GHG inventory conducted.
2050 Target Year
At the state level, California is implementing a 2005 Executive Order (S-3-05) to achieve an 80 percent reduction of GHG emissions from 1990 levels by 2050. Local governments adopting a similar 2050 target will be recognized as key partners to achieve this goal.
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Resources
Quick-Start Guide and Forecasting Assistant Tools
The State Energy Efficiency Collaborative (SEEC) offers a guide for setting a GHG reduction target. SEEC also offers a tool to forecast future GHG emissions.
The U.S Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Center
The U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Center provides mayors with guidance and assistance to lead their cities' efforts to reduce GHG emissions. Many California cities signed on to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to reduce GHG emissions 7% below 1990 levels by 2020.
Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Initiative
Cool Counties is a national association of counties addressing the challenges of climate change. Participating counties have committed to reducing regional GHG emissions 80% below current levels by 2050.
C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group
C40 is a group of large cities committed to tackling climate change. Check out the C40 website for more information on what types of GHG reduction targets local governments around the world have already adopted.