Recently, my favorite pastime has been looking at "What MUST be done locally" vs "What CAN be done locally" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. What MUST be done is coming into starker and starker relief. What CAN and WILL be done is very much murkier.
Actions to reduce emissions have started on the international, national and regional levels.
Here are some of the large scale targets:
Kyoto target: 5.2% below 1990 levels by 2008-2012.
RGGI: Stabilize at 2002-2004 average by 2015 followed by a 10% reduction between 2015 and 2020.
California: Targets set by Governor - By 2010, reduce to 2000 levels; By 2020, reduce to 1990 levels; By 2050, reduce to 80% below 1990 levels.
The Stern Review refers to the emissions reductions required to stabilize atmospheric CO2, and uses 450 ppm and 550 ppm as the lowest possible stabilization levels. In order to stabilize at 450 ppm, the Review states that "global emissions would need to peak in the next 10 years and then fall at more than 5% per year, reaching 70% below current levels by 2050." It is not clear when India and China will peak. China is forecast to surpass the US in GHG emissions within the next five years.
Actions currently contemplated by governments in response to international, regional and state level targets are not enough to reach required emissions reductions by mid-century. These include establishing cap-and-trade carbon markets, establishing renewable portfolio standards, increasing vehicle fuel efficiency standards and improving regional public transportation systems.
This leaves the very difficult work of stopping the growth in emissions due to population growth and development to local communities.
So, where does this leave YourTown, USA?
