San Francisco is making evident strides in its battle against climate change, as Mayor London N. Breed has announced that greenhouse gas emissions have remained down by 48% compared to 1990 levels. This has occurred despite an uptick in population by 12% over the same period. The latest findings from the City's 2022 Sector-based Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, which offers a comprehensive look at the six sectors contributing to emissions, show a sustained commitment to the Climate Action Plan, even as the city's economy continues to bounce back post-pandemic.
The emissions inventory, published biennially, is integral to measuring San Francisco's progress toward slashing emissions 60% below 1990 levels by 2030 and achieving a net-zero footprint by 2040. According to the report, emissions levels remained flat, and some did not experience the bounce-back increase that some had anticipated as the COVID-19 restrictions lifted. In her statement, Mayor Breed emphasized, as per the City and County of San Francisco, “Today’s announcement is a testament to our continued effort to make San Francisco a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable city for all of our residents." She pointed out the City's leadership and bold climate policies as instrumental to economic growth that harmonizes with environmental conservation.
Transportation and buildings, historically major contributors to emissions, are among the sectors that have seen significant declines from 1990 levels. Sectors like agriculture and wastewater, representing less than 3% of total emissions, were exceptions to this downward trend. "We anticipated a temporary dip in emissions due to the stay-at-home health orders issued during the pandemic," Director Tyrone Jue of the San Francisco Environment Department said, as per the City and County of San Francisco.
Underpinning these accomplishments are initiatives like expanded access to clean transportation and 100% clean energy programs CleanPowerSF and Hetch Hetchy Power. San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Authority (SFMTA) is the nation's greenest transportation fleet, fulfilling a 100% zero-emissions pledge. The climate-focused activities also coincide with receiving a $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to bolster the City's environmental justice efforts, increasing the dedication to equitable access to greener living across all communities.
