User:Mikakula/Canary initiative

The purpose of this policy, known as the “Canary Initiative” is to drastically reduce Aspen’s carbon footprint. Because of Aspen’s high-end reputation, the carbon level this city emits is significantly higher than a similar-sized city. The initiative received its name from the idea that Aspen’s climate is a “canary in a coal mine”; that is, Aspen's climate could be significantly altered by events and changes from outside areas. Aspen is a popular resort destination for its ski mountains, and tourism is a key component in the business Aspen receives. However, with rising global temperatures, Aspen’s snow is estimated to disappear entirely by 2100. In order to prevent irreversible damage to the natural environment, while sustaining and developing Aspen's economy, this city-wide initiative was created. The initiative calls for: a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, an assessment of impacts of global and local climate change, an education and action plan for advocacy on regional, state, and national levels.

Aspen’s 2000 IPCC Report

In 2000, the city of Aspen and the Aspen Skiing Company launched a study of the effects of rising temperatures on Aspen and the surrounding mountains. Using state-of the art climate prediction models, as well as unique physical and geographical data for Aspen, the report illustrated the consequences of various actions of humankind. The following data is from the results of the study. In the low emissions scenario (global greenhouse gas levels peak at or around 500 ppm), Aspen was expected to experience about 6 degrees F of warming by 2100, giving Aspen a climate more similar to Los Alamos, New Mexico. Under the “business as usual” scenario, GHG levels would peak around 700 ppm, and Aspen would experience 14 degrees F of warming by 2100, giving it a climate more like Amarillo, Texas. In both of these scenarios, Aspen’s snowpack is dramatically reduced; in the “business-as-usual” scenario the snowpack is virtually non-existent by 2100. Because of the alarming results of the IPCC report, Aspen and the Aspen Skiing Company quickly mobilized to clean up—their business depends on it. Several adverse effects on the spring runoff and ecosystems of Aspen were also mentioned, most notably the peak spring discharge occurring earlier in the year, and an increase of summer droughts.

Greenhouse Gas Reductions

In 2005, the City of Aspen made and signed a legally-binding contract to reduce its GHG emissions by at least 1% every year. By the end of 2006 Aspen had reduced its emissions by 11.5%, and new, more stringent community reduction goals were made. The Canary Initiative requires GHG emissions to be cut by 30% (from 2004 levels) by 2020, and 80% reduction by mid-century.

Canary Action Plan

The Canary Action Plan details the emission cuts or general improvements that need to be made in several sectors of business. Sectors include: policy, research, and education; energy efficient buildings; ground and air transportation, electricity (higher percentage of renewable), landfill waste reduction/recycling programs, and finally carbon credits to offset extra GHG produced.

Policy, Research, and Education: •	Ensure that education and policy decisions at all levels – government, business, and individual – seek to significantly reduce GHG emissions •	Provide education, in a variety of venues, and data needed by the community to understand the need for action to reduce global warming

Buildings: Energy Efficiency: •	Reduce GHG’s 20% below 2004 levels in all City of Aspen facilities by 2009 •	Require all new construction (commercial and residential) to be 50% more energy efficient than the International Energy Conservation Code by 2009. •	Encourage and incentivize existing buildings (commercial and residential) to reduce GHG emissions 20% below 2004 levels by 2009

Air and Ground Transportation •	Reduce the volume of single occupancy traffic into Aspen and around town. •	Create a mass transit-oriented transportation alternative into Aspen that is more convenient and affordable and has lower GHG emissions per passenger mile than the average private vehicle. •	Increase the use of highly fuel-efficient and low emissions fuel engines and machinery in on-road and off-road vehicles. •	Require that all new development projects have a net decrease in transportation related emissions compared to existing development conditions •	Reduce emissions from air travel

Electricity: Generate and/or purchase 45% of Aspen’s electricity from renewable resources by 2012.

Landfill: Waste Reduction and Recycling •	Increase the overall solid waste recycling rate by 20% over the 2006 baseline by 2009. •	Decrease the amount of solid waste generated

Localization: Carbon Offsets, Food, and Other •	Provide a reliable and effective option to offset GHG emissions •	Educate City staff and the community on the global warming impacts of the industrialized food supply chain and encourage the cultivation and purchase of locally produced foods