GCAS results

  • #ZEVChallenge: 24 cities, regions, and states—from the Australian Capital Territory to Oxford to Québec to Santa Monica—have joined the #ZEVChallenge. This consortium aims to reach 100% zero emissions passenger transportation by 2050. Given the size of the economies involved, the adoption of the pledge is sure to send a powerful signal to the market.
  • Deadline 2020: In partnership with C40’s Deadline 2020 program, 73 cities committed to, “…develop inclusive climate action plans to strengthen resilience and become carbon neutral by 2050.” However, it’s not clear how many of these pledges represent new commitments.
  • Building momentum: Announced by the World Green Building Council, 22 cities and four states and regions have signed on to the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment. The pledge calls for signatory governments to enact regulations, plans and policies to enable zero carbon buildings (new builds by 2030, existing by 2050).
  • Powering Past Coal: The alliance, which seeks to phase out coal-fired electricity in entirety, saw ten new members jump on the bandwagon. Notably, these included a range of new states and regions but also several local governments, including Los Angeles and Rotterdam.
  • Renewable ride-hailing: For its part, ride-hailing provider Lyft announced it would pursuecomplete carbon neutrality and support 100% renewable electricity (the provider has previously said it is aiming for 50 per cent shared trips by 2020).
  • Corporate commitments: The RE100, whose membership base counts 400 private corporations committed to 100% renewable power, grew its roster in California. Last week, notables such as Sony and the Royal Bank of Scotland signed on to the group, which accounts for more than 180 terawatts of renewable power demand.