Los Angeles is taking aggressive action to combat climate change and build a sustainable future with its ambitious Green New Deal. This comprehensive plan sets the city on a path to carbon neutrality by 2050, tackling the climate emergency head-on while strengthening the local economy and creating thousands of green jobs. Mayor Eric Garcetti’s vision for a greener Los Angeles offers a model for cities across the globe grappling with the urgent need for climate action.
Driven by the increasing threat of wildfires, droughts, and extreme weather events, the Los Angeles Green New Deal aims to drastically reduce the city’s environmental impact while fostering economic growth and ensuring equitable access to the benefits of a green economy. This initiative goes beyond simply addressing environmental concerns; it seeks to create a more resilient, prosperous, and inclusive city for all Angelenos.
Key Principles and Ambitious Targets of the Green New Deal
The Green New Deal is built upon four core principles: upholding the Paris Climate Agreement, promoting environmental justice and equity, creating pathways to green jobs, and leading by example within City government. These principles guide the plan’s ambitious targets, which aim to zero out Los Angeles’ primary sources of harmful emissions: buildings, transportation, electricity, and waste.
Transforming Los Angeles’ Energy Landscape
A cornerstone of the Green New Deal is the commitment to building a zero-carbon electricity grid. The plan accelerates the goal of reaching 80% renewable energy supply by 2036, aligning with California’s statewide goal of 100% renewables by 2045. This ambitious target requires a significant shift towards solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources, reducing the city’s reliance on fossil fuels and significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Creating a Green Jobs Boom
The Green New Deal recognizes the economic potential of a sustainable future. A dedicated Jobs Cabinet will bring together city, labor, educational, and business leaders to support the creation of 300,000 green jobs by 2035 and 400,000 by 2050. These jobs will span various sectors, from renewable energy installation and maintenance to sustainable building construction and green transportation. This focus on job creation ensures that the transition to a green economy benefits all Angelenos, creating opportunities for economic advancement and a more inclusive workforce.
Revolutionizing Buildings and Waste Management
The plan mandates that all new municipally owned buildings and major renovations be all-electric, effective immediately. The long-term goal is for every building in Los Angeles, from skyscrapers to single-family homes, to become emissions-free by 2050. This ambitious target will require innovative building design, energy-efficient technologies, and widespread adoption of renewable energy sources.
To address the growing waste problem, the Green New Deal sets a target of achieving a zero-waste future. This includes phasing out styrofoam by 2021, ending the use of plastic straws and single-use takeout containers by 2028, and ultimately diverting all trash from landfills by 2050. These measures will require significant improvements in recycling and composting infrastructure, as well as changes in consumer behavior and business practices.
Water Conservation and Urban Greening
Recognizing the importance of water conservation in a dry climate, the Green New Deal aims to recycle 100% of wastewater by 2035 and source 70% of water locally. The plan also calls for a substantial increase in stormwater capture. These initiatives will enhance water security, reduce reliance on imported water, and improve the city’s resilience to drought.
The Green New Deal also emphasizes the importance of urban greening. The plan sets a target of planting and maintaining at least 90,000 trees citywide by 2021, providing 61 million square feet of shade. Furthermore, it aims to increase tree canopy in low-income, heat-impacted areas by at least 50% by 2028. These efforts will improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enhance the overall livability of the city.
Building on Past Successes: The Sustainable City pLAn
The Green New Deal builds upon the foundation laid by the Sustainable City pLAn, launched by Mayor Garcetti four years earlier. The city has already met or exceeded 90% of the pLAn’s near-term goals, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability. These achievements include becoming the number-one solar city in America, pioneering new transportation technologies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating over 35,000 green jobs.
Los Angeles has implemented several key initiatives that have contributed to its progress towards carbon neutrality:
Solar Leadership: Comprehensive solar incentive programs have helped Los Angeles become the leading solar city in the nation.
Energy Efficiency: The city has been recognized for having the most energy-efficient buildings in the U.S., earning the title of #1 ENERGY STAR City.
Transitioning to Renewable Energy: Los Angeles has initiated a feasibility study to analyze an equitable transition to 100% renewable energy.
Fossil Fuel Free Streets: The city has pledged to procure only zero-emission buses by 2025 and create a major emissions-free zone by 2030.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: Los Angeles has installed the most publicly available electric vehicle charging stations of any U.S. city, with plans for significant expansion.
Municipal Fleet Procurement: The city has created a national platform for municipal fleet procurement, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in government fleets across the country.
A Collaborative Approach to a Sustainable Future
The Los Angeles Green New Deal is a product of collaboration, incorporating initiatives from 44 partner organizations across various sectors. This collaborative approach ensures that the plan reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of the city’s residents and stakeholders. The plan also sets a target of a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, surpassing the standards set by the United Nations IPCC report.
By 2050, the Green New Deal is projected to yield significant health and economic benefits, saving more than 1,600 lives annually, reducing hospital visits by 660, and avoiding $16 billion in healthcare expenses each year. These projected outcomes highlight the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability, public health, and economic prosperity.
A Vision for a Greener, Healthier, and More Equitable Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Green New Deal represents a bold vision for a greener, healthier, and more equitable future. By setting ambitious targets, fostering collaboration, and building on past successes, Los Angeles is demonstrating its commitment to tackling the climate crisis and creating a sustainable city for generations to come. This comprehensive plan serves as an inspiring example for other cities around the world striving to build a more sustainable and resilient future.
FAQ
- What is the main goal of the Los Angeles Green New Deal?
The primary goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, mitigating the city’s contribution to climate change. This involves transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable transportation.
- How will the Green New Deal impact the local economy?
The plan aims to create hundreds of thousands of green jobs in various sectors, boosting the local economy and providing opportunities for Angelenos.
- How does the Green New Deal address environmental justice?
The plan prioritizes equity and aims to ensure that the benefits of a green economy are accessible to all communities, particularly those disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution.
- How can I get involved in supporting the Green New Deal?
There are numerous ways to get involved, including supporting local environmental organizations, advocating for sustainable policies, and adopting eco-friendly practices in your daily life. We encourage you to share your ideas and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about building a sustainable future for Los Angeles.
We invite you to submit your questions and share your thoughts on the Los Angeles Green New Deal. Your participation is crucial in shaping a sustainable future for our city.
