Utah Climate Week is Coming Up!

by Emily Seang, SLCgreen intern

Source: Utah Climate Action Network

October is the month for falling leaves, cooler breezes and– now in its second year– Utah Climate Week!

Why Climate Week?

According to the latest National Climate Assessment, global temperatures will rise by some amount this century. The extent of the increase, however, will depend on how aggressively global society can rein in greenhouse gas emissions.

This change in the climate is already contributing to existing extreme weather patterns all over the world.

This is the case in Utah too. In 2018 alone, Utah has felt the effects of climate change on many fronts, including low water levels, an explosion of algal blooms, poor air quality, extreme heat, and frequent wildfires. These repercussions take a toll on our health, as well as our summer and winter outdoor recreation past-times and economic drivers.

The National Weather Service tweeted a record 131 days in 2018 that temperatures in the Salt Lake City area did not dip below 50 degrees F.

Climate change is clearly a concern to our public safety, natural resources, and economic development. But we can all play a role in amplifying the message that it’s time to take action.  We can also look at our daily routines and make small changes that add up to meaningful emissions reductions.

These are the goals behind the Second Annual Utah Climate Week.

Utah Climate Week is hosted by the Utah Climate Action Network, a partnership that aims to reduce emissions, enhance resiliency, and engage individuals and local leaders within our state.

Utah is one of only a few other communities to host a climate week, joining the likes of New York City and London. 

So from October 1 -7, mark your calendars and get ready for a jam-packed week of events, workshops, tours, film screenings, and panels, taking place in Salt Lake City, Park City, Ogden, and many other locations.

#UtahClimateWeek thus provides a unique opportunity to envision our future, as well as collaborate with organizations and leaders to find solutions to climate change issues.

Click here for a full list of events and more information on Utah Climate Week.

“We all have a role to play in turning the tide on climate change,” Sarah Wright, executive director of Utah Clean Energy, said in an announcement about the event. “Climate change is an area where we, as a state, need to be more proactive and collaborative. Utah Climate Week is the perfect way for us to come together as a community, see new opportunities and move forward in combating climate change.”

A great way to start the conversation is to participate in the Utah Climate Week Kick-Off Party. We look forward to seeing you there and at events throughout the week!

[ICYMI] Salt Lake City’s Climate Positive Plan

If you haven’t yet heard of Salt Lake City’s ambitious climate goals, Climate Week is a good time to head over to our website to learn more about Climate Positive 2040. The plan describes how we’re working to mitigate climate change by reducing carbon pollution and transitioning to more renewable energy sources starting with our government facilities.

Climate Positive describes several interrelated goals:

• 100 X 2032: 100% Renewable Energy for Community Electricity Supply by 2032
  • Goal includes 50% renewable electricity for municipal operations by 2020

• 80 X 2040: 80% Reduction in Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2040 

You can also click here to learn more about what Salt Lake City is doing to reduce emissions.