Seattle has been named a global leader for climate change

Seattle and 34 other American cities have been named global leaders for climate change by the CDP, a non-profit organization that focuses on environmental impact.

According to its website, the CDP runs a “global environmental disclosure system.” They work with companies, cities, states, and regions in order to measure and manage the different risks and opportunities when it comes to climate change, water security, and deforestation.

This year, Seattle was listed on the “CDP Cities A List,” which highlights cities “that are leading the transition to a climate-safe future.”

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In order to construct this list, cities measure and report environmental data such as emissions, climate-related vulnerabilities, and actions to reduce emissions. The CDP then grades the cities from A to D.

The CPD says that to score an A, cities “must have a city-wide emissions inventory, have set an emissions-reduction target, published a climate action plan, and have completed a climate adoption plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards now and in the future.”

Other American cities that made the cut include Portland, New York City, Denver, and 30 other US cities. In total, more than 100 cities made the list for 2019 — more than double the amount that was listed last year.

“Cities are taking the climate crisis more seriously than before,” says the CDP. “In the space of a year, the number of cities on the A List has grown from 43 in 2018 to 105 in 2019. Representing a combined global population of 170 million, they are leading the transition to a climate-safe future and setting an example for others to follow.”

In 2018, Seattle Public Utilities approved a ban on plastic straws, plastic utensils, and plastic cocktail picks. The restrictions became effective on July 1, 2018.

Since July 1, 2017, businesses have been banned from providing plastic bags. Shops can charge a minimum of five cents for large paper carryout bags, or provide green or brown compostable bags.

The City of Vancouver also decided last July to convert arterial streetlights in Seattle into an energy-efficient white LED.