Cities and towns (cities) are a critical partner in the design of a low-carbon future. Generating up to 70 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,[1] cities can drive down carbon emissions through sustainable policies and programs. Not only do these actions have the potential to improve the health of our planet, but cities are also uniquely positioned to lead the transformation of our current fossil-fuel based society into one that fosters more jobs, better health, and brings a more just and equitable economy.

Source of photo: Climate Emergency, Urban Opportunity report.

How can cities become more resilient to climate change and its impacts? Just ask the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM). This network of more than 10,000 mayors from local governments across the world is working towards “a resilient and low emission economy.” In its recent report titled “Climate Emergency, Urban Opportunity,” the GCoM explores how local, state, and national governments have the power and unique opportunity to work together to create resiliency, while also implementing mitigation strategies, in the face of a climate emergency.

Source of photo: Geoffrey Arduini on Unsplash

Following our Part 1 of this blog series where we discussed equity versus equity and what the terms mean, and how they broadly apply to the world of sustainability, this blog (Part 2) discusses how the terms apply to emission reduction strategies and climate resiliency.

The idea of equality versus equity has been coming up in many discussions around the Lotus office. But what does it all mean? Equity and equality are terms sometimes used in the same context in our society. In a general sense, they both suggest the idea of everything being fair or even; however, they mean different things. We can help explain the understand the difference and how they relate to sustainability efforts. Part 1 of this blog provides a high-level view of what the two terms mean and how they broadly apply to the world of sustainability. Part 2 of the series will dive into more detail and discuss how the terms are applied when evaluating emission reduction and climate adaptation strategies.

Image Source: Thompson Rivers University (https://barabus.tru.ca/med/educ5041/equality.html)

Legislation and policy is one way to drive action related to reducing emissions, increase awareness, and create opportunities for change. The recent Colorado legislative session is one great example of where momentum is obvious and climate action initiatives are being addressed through legislation. Read more to learn about the exciting bills that Colorado is pushing forward.