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A Changing Climate Calls for a Changing Economy
Scientists agree the world's climate is warming and that human activities like burning coal in power plants and driving cars are the major cause. We are already feeling the effects in Connecticut–effects like stronger storms, changes in plant and animal ranges, and warming waters in Long Island Sound. Such changes
Connecticut put itself on the map as a climate leader in 2008, when it passed the Global Warming Solutions Act, an economy-wide carbon cap that commits the state to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2001 levels by 2050 (watch our video).
Setting those goals was the easy part–now Connecticut must meet them.
Doing our part to reduce the impacts of climate change is a long-term commitment that will require the help of elected officials, businesses and innovators, and ordinary citizens. Fortunately, many of the needed changes have additional benefits like reducing asthma rates, providing alternatives to cars, making Connecticut more energy independent, and making our homes more affordable to heat and cool. Investing in energy efficiency creates three or four times as many jobs as spending money on fossil fuels, and those jobs stay here in Connecticut to strengthen our state economy.
In 2011, the state legislature passed Public Act 11-80, a bill that creates a joint Department of Energy and Environment, reforms how Connecticut buys power, and establishes new efficiency financing mechanisms and renewable energy programs. This bill is a great step in moving us towards the energy future.
A Climate for Innovation: Energy, Economy and Policy Choices
The State of Connecticut is required to issue a plan for meeting the targets of the Global Warming Solutions Act. In June 2011, ahead of this report, CFE and other environmental organizations held a forum for policy-makers, business leaders and advocates on strategies for reducing Connecticut's greenhouse gas emissions while improving our quality of life and opening new avenues for innovation and job creation.
Panelists from Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York highlighted best practices from around the region as well as efforts currently underway in Connecticut. Click below to see PowerPoint presentations from our six panelists.
Our climate work has included advocating for advanced energy efficiency policies, green buildings, better public transit, reduced diesel pollution and cleaner power supplies. Follow the links below for more information on these programs.
Green Buildings
Transportation
Diesel Emissions
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