PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE BY ADDRESSING CURRENT CHALLENGES
Figure 1. Art exhibit displayed in Chicago to draw locals' attention to global environmental issues. Olson, Scott. (2007, June 1). Environmental Art Exhibit In Chicago [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/spectators-look-over-sculptures-placed-along-the-lakefront-news-photo/74376013
2015 “Sustainable Chicago 2015”
Sustainable Chicago 2015 Action Agenda outlines twenty-four key goals and actions that the City hopes to achieve by 2015. To build a sustainable City that invests in clean energy, promotes different modes of transportation, improves the quality of life, and creates green jobs, these goals must be put into action. For a detailed outline and copy of the plan, go to: http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/progs/env/SustainableChicago2015.pdf.
Sustainable Chicago 2015 Action Agenda outlines twenty-four key goals and actions that the City hopes to achieve by 2015. To build a sustainable City that invests in clean energy, promotes different modes of transportation, improves the quality of life, and creates green jobs, these goals must be put into action. For a detailed outline and copy of the plan, go to: http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/progs/env/SustainableChicago2015.pdf.
- Green Jobs – Job Creation, Economic Development
- Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy
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Despite having over half a billion riders last year, the Chicago Transit Agency (CTA) hopes to further increase ridership by adding Bus Rapid Transit corridors and upgrading the Red Line that will save a commuter about 20 minutes of their ride time. Moreover, the CTA intends to convert their old buses to fuel efficient and low-emission buses as well as install bus and train trackers that give real-time traffic to transit riders. By expanding and diversifying transportation options, Chicago is headed in the right direction in offering a safe and green way to travel.
- Sewers and Water
- Recycling
A brief overview of how the Blue Cart Program works.
ChicagoClimate. (2011, May 6). ChicagoRecyclesBlueCartSection. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8a5nAieNTY&feature=player_embedded
ChicagoClimate. (2011, May 6). ChicagoRecyclesBlueCartSection. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8a5nAieNTY&feature=player_embedded
2020 "Climate Action Plan"
If Chicago were to continue at the current rate its going, greenhouse gas emissions will reach unprecedented heights far quicker than we could imagine. As climate change has already begun taking affect on a global scale, cities are just realizing the potential dangers that could occur such as frequent flooding, sever rain storms, and hotter summers. In order to prevent further damages from occurring, Chicagoans must work together to reduce 80% of their GHG emissions below their 1990 level by 2050. Thus, the 2020 “Climate Action Plan” has been laid out to tackle these issues and propose strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
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The bulk of the City’s emission comes from buildings, making up 70% of the share. From commercial to residential buildings, Chicago aims to reduce energy consumption by 30% by retrofitting their buildings. Since green roofs, like the one atop City Hall, moderates roof temperature, the City hopes to increase the current total of 400 green roof buildings to 6,000 by 2020. Also, the Chicago Energy Conservation Code plans to update their policies
to meet the current international standards and enforce existing
infrastructures to meet green building standards. Efforts to improve energy efficiency in buildings will require the government and many public and private partners as well as residents to collaborate with each other to meet these goals.
Moving to clean and renewable energy sources is key to reducing C02 emissions. The current power purchased by many residents and businesses stem from larger plants in the Midwest that contribute significantly to the air pollution. To do their part in mitigating C02 emissions, the state proposes to upgrade or repower the 21 plants in the state as well as generate large-scale renewable energy sources to accommodate all Chicagoans. Local residents can also help by installing PV panels or solar thermals on roofs to generate their own renewable energy rather than rely on large power plants. By providing incentives for homeowners, household-scale power technologies could double in the City and reduce GHG emissions.
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Transportation hubs centered around neighborhoods, stores, and jobs promote walking and the use of public transits. That’s why the City and CTA are teaming together to improve transit options and locations that encourage ridership so that people will drive less and save more money in the long-run. While supporting other modes of transportation is important, increasing fuel-efficient vehicles, such as hybrids, can also help lower GHG emissions. The Chicago Transit Authority has already implemented 20 hybrid buses and plans to add another 150 in the City. Biodiesel and ethanol are also being introduced as alternative fuels, but more studies will have to take place before any expansion is made. [2]
The City of Chicago is continuously working to improve the quality of life and preserve natural resources. If we want to ensure that our future generations will not have to suffer the consequences that we leave behind we must act fast and achieve the goals by working together. To learn more about the Climate Action Plan and ways you can get involved to make a difference, please visit the website at http://www.chicagoclimateaction.org/pages/what_you_can_do___make_a_difference/6.php.
The City of Chicago is continuously working to improve the quality of life and preserve natural resources. If we want to ensure that our future generations will not have to suffer the consequences that we leave behind we must act fast and achieve the goals by working together. To learn more about the Climate Action Plan and ways you can get involved to make a difference, please visit the website at http://www.chicagoclimateaction.org/pages/what_you_can_do___make_a_difference/6.php.
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FOOTNOTES
[1] City of Chicago. (n.d.). Sustainable Chicago 2015 Action Agenda. Retrieved from http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/progs/env/SustainableChicago2015.pdf
[2] City of Chicago. (2008). Chicago Climate Action Plan. Retrieved from http://www.chicagoclimateaction.org/filebin/pdf/finalreport/CCAPREPORTFINALv2.pdf
FOOTNOTES
[1] City of Chicago. (n.d.). Sustainable Chicago 2015 Action Agenda. Retrieved from http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/progs/env/SustainableChicago2015.pdf
[2] City of Chicago. (2008). Chicago Climate Action Plan. Retrieved from http://www.chicagoclimateaction.org/filebin/pdf/finalreport/CCAPREPORTFINALv2.pdf