A United Nations climate report out today says wealthy countries, including the U.S., have failed to cut carbon emissions quickly enough to curb dangerous warming of the planet. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Tucson Mayor-elect Regina Romero are calling for more action nationwide.
Gallego and Romero sent a letter to Arizona’s senators and House members calling for Congress to support the Paris Climate Agreement.
“We would love to see both Senator McSally and Senator Sinema sponsor legislation to move forward on climate change, bring us back into the Paris Climate Accords, and regain the United States’ position as a global leader on climate change,” Gallego told KJZZ.
The U.S. initially signed on to the landmark agreement in 2016, but the Trump administration is now withdrawing. No other country has pulled out.
But Gallego said city and state leaders can still uphold promises to combat climate change.
“We are number one for solar installed on city facilities among American cities," Gallego said. "We’re also moving forward with big investments in transportation, our light rail, developing a more shaded, bikeable, walkable city, so we’re trying to show leadership on these issues.”
Gallego said climate change is especially critical in Arizona. Tucson and Phoenix are among the fastest-warming cities in the country.
