Evanston is once again in consideration for the 2016 US Earth Hour Capital award after pulling down the top prize last year. We asked Kevin Taylor, senior specialist of local engagement at the World Wildlife Fund, to put the city’s showing into perspective for us.
Q: Evanston was named the 2015 US Earth Hour City Capital, and now it has been named a finalist. What accounts for the strong showing?
A: Evanston has been participating in the Earth Hour City Challenge since the program launched in 2012 and has performed well each year. They have set significant greenhouse gas reduction targets, greater than most of its peers and supports those targets with measured, comprehensive action plans that respond to the unique character of Evanston. The city’s community choice electricity aggregation program, providing 100 percent renewable electricity to Evanston residents is a signature achievement.
Evanston has remained committed to this program even when short term cost savings decreased, demonstrating its long term commitment to environmental leadership that will benefit its residents. Evanston has also shown a commitment to participating in the City Challenge, regularly updating and sharing its progress through the carbon Climate Registry. WWF recognizes cities that are actively engaged in the community of cities that the City Challenge tries to create.
Q: Is that rare, back to back in the finals?
A: Interestingly, Chicago was a finalist the year before it was named an Earth Hour Capital. Boulder has now been a finalist in two years as well, though not back-to-back. There have been more than 80 US cities participate in the City Challenge over the four years of the program, with three finalists each year. Those cities that have earned a finalist distinction now more than once have shown themselves to be true climate leaders.
Q: What is the main feature of Earth Hour, beyond the symbolic measure of turning off lights — what are you hoping to achieve? If Evanston or one of the other cities wins the U.S. competition, what’s next?
A: The US Earth Hour Capital along with capitals from the other 20 countries participating will be announced at the Habitat III summit in Quito, Ecuador this October. Habitat III is a global stage for sustainable development. Coming off of a successful agreement in Paris at the UN climate negotiations, cities will be key to delivering on the commitments set by nations. The City Challenge will showcase cities and their action plans that should be modeled by others around the world.
Turning off your lights for Earth Hour is a symbolic gesture to draw attention to the need for strong climate action. This year, beyond flipping the switch, we’re asking everyone — individuals, cities, and companies to resolve to do more. From cities switching to renewable energy to individuals reducing their carbon footprint, we know by working together and using our collective power, we can tackle the worst effects of climate change. WWF encourages everyone to visit www.worldwildlife.org/earthhour to learn more and join the movement on social media using the hashtag #EarthHour.
— Bob Seidenberg, Pioneer Press
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