The White House recognized Seattle as a Climate Action Champion on Wednesday, one of just 16 local and tribal governments that demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience.
“This is a tremendous honor that adds momentum to our innovations on climate action and community resilience,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “We applaud President Obama for drawing attention to climate change and supporting local efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Obama Administration launched the local community Climate Action Champions competition this fall as a complement to his commitment to address climate change at the national and international scale. On the front lines of climate impacts and a proving ground for climate solutions, local communities have a powerful role to play in addressing climate change.
Seattle stands out as a national leader with a citywide goal to be carbon neutral by 2050, ambitious Climate Action Plan and Seattle City Light’s decade-long track record as a 100 percent carbon neutral electric utility.
As a Climate Action Champion, Seattle will benefit from facilitated peer-to-peer learning, climate science data, risk projection tools and targeted support from a range of federal programs. Check out the White House Fact Sheet for more information on the recognition and what it means for Seattle and the other 15 Climate Champions.