Human greenhouse gas emissions come primarily from burning fossil fuels-oil, gasoline, natural gas, and coal. The general (though not unanimous) international understanding is that the world needs to reduce its total emissions by as much as 80 percent by 2050 to stabilize global climate.
Boston cannot stop climate change by itself nor eliminate all the risks. But Boston can-and must-take meaningful action. Boston can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020 through more efficient buildings and vehicles, lower-carbon fuels, reduced driving, more recycling, and other changes in behavior.
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Buildings
The most important step that Boston can take is to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings. This will enable us to achieve about half of our greenhouse gas reduction goal.
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Transportation
Nearly one-thrid of Boston's 2020 GHG reduction goal will come from the transportation sector. The biggest savings are projected to come from making cars more efficient. Boston drivers can also reduce emissions by increasing their use of alternative modes of transportation and driving smarter.
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Energy
However efficient we make our buildings and vehicles, we will still consume energy. We need to make sure that the energy we use is produced as efficiently as possible and relies on fossil fuels as little as possible.
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Waste Reduction
Reducing solid waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions that arise from landfills and other disposal methods. Solid waste is a relatively small contributor to Boston's greenhouse gas emissions-but the way we dispose of waste is almost completely under our control.
