Local and regional governments are driving the global transition to renewable energy

Cities consume about 75 percent of global primary energy, making it crucial that local and regional governments work alongside nations, businesses and civil society to drive the renewable energy transition . This will not only slash global greenhouse gas emissions but also improve energy security in urban areas worldwide.

Local and regional governments around the world, from the Australian Capital Territory to Aspen, USA — members of the ICLEI 100% Renewable Energy Cities and Regions Network — are leading a renewable energy shift in their jurisdictions by setting 100 percent renewable targets. Globally, more than 350 targets have been set by over 300 cities, towns and regions working with diverse city networks and environmental and sustainability organizations. These targets focus on electricity, heating and cooling and transport. More than 80 percent of these are community targets.

There are many ways local and regional governments can  can move towards 100 percent renewable energy. For starters, 100 percent renewable energy targets can be set with different boundaries, focusing on government operations or the community scale.
100 percent renewable energy targets can also be sector-specific. Electricity, heating and cooling in buildings as well as transport are the largest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions in many cities due to the combustion of fossil fuels. Aiming for 100 percent renewable energy in these three sectors can take cities a long way.

Here is how to move towards 100 percent renewable energy in your jurisdiction.

For more information and to join the ICLEI 100% Renewable Cities and Regions Network visit iclei.org.

Picture: Downtown Aspen.
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