Ketchum Mayor endorses Paris Climate Agreement

Ketchum, Idaho will join a national coalition of more than 300 mayors committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate protection goals included in the Paris Climate Agreement. The Jackson, Wyoming Town Council took similar action earlier this month. Mayor Nina Jonas said the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda was founded in 2014 by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, along with Mayors of Philadelphia and Houston, to promote local, state, and federal efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The group supports binding federal and global climate change policies. “Getting our city involved in this coalition was a logical next step in light of decisions made by our national leaders to exit the Paris Agreement,” Jonas said. “It also makes sense considering all the other efforts we’ve made here in Ketchum to conserve resources, incorporate alternative energy and reduce our overall carbon footprint. I’m excited for our city to be a part of this organization.” Jonas said 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions are created by cities across the globe. The mayors’ organization now includes America’s 10 largest cities and represents more than 60 million people. Ketchum has installed solar panels on government buildings and solar-powered street lights. Jonas said the city has also adopted a green building code, reduced energy consumption, and has promoted electric vehicles and alternative modes of transportation. You can find more information about the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda here.