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December 21, 2009 Section 1: Introduction 3 According to the International Climate Change Taskforce, the European Union, and the 2007 4 Bali Declaration by Scientists, current scientific understanding states that a 2°C increase in average global temperature over the next century is a safe level of global warming. To minimize average global temperature increase to 2°C, greenhouse gas concentrations need to be stabilized at a level well below 450 parts per million. Achieving this level requires global greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced by at least 50 percent below their 1990 levels by the year 2050. 1.1 The Role of Cities in Climate Change We live in a rapidly urbanizing world. Today, half of all humans live in cities. The U.N. estimates that that number is projected to grow to two-thirds by 2030. Moreover, more than half of the world’s population now lives within 40 miles of the sea, and three-quarters of all large cities are located on the coast. Coastal cities are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as stronger storms, heat related wildfires, and rising sea level. While cities may be vulnerable to climate impacts, they also can play a critical role in reducing the emissions which exacerbate climate impacts. With their concentrations of people and activities at high densities, cities can use resources such as energy, materials and land more efficiently. They are the places where high level, knowledge-based activities congregate, with the expertise to tackle climate change. This is especially true in the Bay Area. Municipalities have the powers and levers to reduce carbon emissions. They control the development of land, direct the growth of housing, coordinate transportation options and direct waste management. They have varying degrees of responsibility for the collection and processing of waste and have responsibility for other environmental infrastructure such as energy and water. They own and manage buildings and vehicle fleets. They are able to form partnerships with private interests as well as mobilizing and coordinating community action. They are uniquely positioned to promote economic development that emphasizes sustainable development and local green jobs. 3 International Climate Change Task force. “Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change”. 2005. http://www.americanprogress.org/kf/climatechallenge.pdf 4 University of New South Wales Climate Change Research Centre. 4 http://www.ccrc.unsw.edu.au/news/2007/Bali.html Page 3