The City of Hoboken has officially joined the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, along with establishing new renewable energy targets.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Joining the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy and ICLEI 100% Renewables Cities and Regions Network underscores our unwavering commitment to building a sustainable and resilient future for Hoboken,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“Our city is taking bold steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while adapting to the impacts of climate change through resiliency parks, flood mitigation, and much more. We are proud to stand with cities around the world in this critical global effort.”
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy is a worldwide coalition of cities that share a commitment to address climate change, reduce emissions, and foster sustainable energy solutions.
As part of this commitment, Hoboken pledges to implement policies and undertake measures to reduce and avoid greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, prepare for the impacts of climate change, increase access to sustainable energy, and track progress towards these objectives; many of the same goals as the City’s existing Climate Action Plan.
Hoboken will update and regularly report on existing plans through the CDP-ICLEI unified climate reporting system, including a community-scale GHG emission inventory, an assessment of climate risks and vulnerabilities, and goals to improve access to secure, sustainable, and affordable energy, among other things.
Formally adopted plans addressing climate change mitigation, resilience, and sustainable energy access.
Hoboken received an A from the CDP-ICLEI unified climate reporting system in 2021, 2022, and 2023, a global rating system for climate action. This score reflects Hoboken’s leadership in climate adaptation and mitigation among cities around the world.
In addition, the ICLEI 100% Renewables Cities and Regions Network supports the global transition to 100 percent renewable energy in electricity, heating, cooling, and transportation. The Network, managed by ICLEI, is part of the Global 100% RE Platform and works in collaboration with UN-Energy’s Energy Compacts initiative.
Through the new commitment, the city will seek to source all energy from renewable sources by 2035 for both government and community operations mirroring the state of New Jersey’s Executive Order No. 315 to accelerate the target of 100 percent clean energy by 2050 to 2035.
