Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla has joined the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) – USA Board of Directors, an organization committed to fighting climate change and sustainability.
ICLEI, the leading global network of local governments dedicated to tackling pressing sustainability challenges, endeavors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance livelihoods, and safeguard natural resources in communities nationwide.
“Joining the ICLEI-USA Board of Directors is a privilege that will give the City of Hoboken a seat at the table as we work with partners across the country to take climate action,” Bhalla said in a statement.
“Climate change affects not only our city, but also and country and the entire world. I eagerly anticipate working with Executive Director Angie Fyfe, Board Chair Commissioner Brigid Shea, and the entire Board to ensure that local climate initiatives have transformative effects on a national and global scale.”
As a board member Bhalla will collaborate with fellow local leaders, including mayors and county executives from throughout the country, to steer ICLEI – USA strategically and ensure that the organization continuously surpasses expectations while delivering value to its member municipalities.
“I have been a fan of Mayor Bhalla and his visionary leadership for several years. He is putting the city of Hoboken on the map for his bold actions to address climate change and protect his residents. And that’s the beauty of ICLEI/Local Governments for Sustainability,” added ICLEI – USA Board of Directors Chair Brigid Shea.
“We learn new ideas and best practices from each other to protect our communities from the impacts of climate change. And we are proving that local governments are essential to fighting climate change.”
Bhalla signed an Executive Order in 2019, officially adopting Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan, which commits the city to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero energy by 2030, exceeding the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan includes methods that both the city and residents can take to mitigate greenhouse gas reductions and establishes goals and targets for greenhouse gas emission reduction for government operations and as a city overall.