We're 40% of the way to our goal of 2,500 donations by midnight! Help us catch up ⏩ Give Now

Windy City to cut down on its gas

Sarah Gardner Nov 5, 2007

TEXT OF STORY

Lisa Napoli: A new survey shows 83 percent of people around the world are willing to change their lifestyles in order to help the environment. That comes as the Windy City is preparing to announce its own plans to fight global warming. From the Marketplace Sustainability Desk, Sarah Gardner reports.


Sarah Gardner: A city spokesman would say only that Chicago officials were “working towards an announcement.” But sources tell Marketplace the city intends to unveil a significant plan to reduce greenhouse gases.

Early drafts, at least, included an aggressive goal of cutting CO2 emissions 80 percent by 2050. That could involve everything from tougher energy efficiency standards for new buildings to greener city vehicles.

Ashok Gupta at the Natural Resources Defense Council helped New York City formulate its green strategy. He says energy targets are good, but cities need to pass laws as well.

Ashok Gupta: It’s also important to lock in some of these policies for future mayors to really see this as a fundamental change.

Chicago is a member of the Clinton Climate Initiative. Former President Bill Clinton is expected to be on hand for next week’s announcement.

I’m Sarah Gardner for Marketplace.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.