Tuesday, December 24, 2024

West Coast leaders step up actions to combat climate crisis

West Coast leaders redouble action to combat climate crisis
Photo: California Governor's Office

West Coast nations are stepping up their efforts to combat the climate crisis after the governments of California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia (Canada) signed a new Declaration of Cooperation (SOC) on Thursday that recommits the region to protecting the environment.

The partnership promotes collaboration between the four regional governments to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, invest in climate infrastructure such as electric vehicle charging stations and a clean electricity grid, and protect communities from climate impacts such as drought, forest fires, heat waves and sea level changes. 

The SOC includes a primary focus on equity, ensuring that no community is left behind in the transition to a low-carbon future.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed welcomed California Governor Gavin Newsom, Oregon Governor Kate Brown, Washington Governor Jay Inslee and British Columbia Premier John Horgan for the signing of the Pacific Coast Declaration of Cooperation and Collaboration at Presidio Tunnel Tops in San Francisco. 

Photo: California Governor's Office

Thus, leaders from all four jurisdictions, each with their own ambitious climate agendas, came together to continue strengthening regional approaches and connections to help advance essential climate work as far as possible.