Westwood Joins International Coalition of Municipalities for Climate Change Leadership

The Town of Westwood has signed on to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, according to a press release from the town dated in early December, an action which signals the town's commitment to create an action plan that includes clear and ambitious CO2 reduction targets, resilience strategies, goals to improve access to sustainable energy.  

According to its web site, Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is self-described as the "largest global alliance for city climate leadership, built upon the commitment of over 12,500 cities and local governments" that come from 144 countries on 6 continents. The alliance's goal is to reduce global emissions by an amount equivalent to 80 percent of the United State's annual GtCo2 (gigatonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide) emissions.

There are 185 municipalities from the United States participating in the global, municipal alliance. Along with Westwood, other Massachusetts towns participating in the alliance are Boston, Cambridge, Dedham, Lexington, Medford, New Bedford,  Newburyport, Northampton, Salem, Somerville, Truro, and Wellfleet.

Town Administrator Christopher Coleman remarked on the town's transition to  a low-emission, climate resilient environment, noting that it lays the basis for economic prosperity. Additionally, "The actions we take at a local level will have a global impact, improving our town and helping create a better world for tomorrow and for generations to come," he said.

In September this year, Westwood created a Climate Action Taskforce made up of town officials and staff, charged with advising Town Planner Elijah Romulus in completing a Climate Action, Resiliency and Sustainability (CRS) Plan. 

Thanks to the Town of Westwood for sharing this news with Westwood Minute.

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