In Feb. 2022, Moscow committed to being carbon neutral by 2050, with a 56.6% decrease in emissions by 2030. With no news coming out to the contrary, the city looks to be on track to meet its goal. What’s even more exciting is Moscow isn’t the only city with plans to go green.
Growing up in Nampa, I could see the growth and improvements that Boise was making just 30 minutes away. Similar to Moscow, one of the many goals Boise has set for itself is to be carbon neutral by 2050.
The City of Boise website says the city plans on using 100% clean electricity for government buildings by 2030, with carbon neutrality for government buildings and operations expected by 2035. These goals also extend beyond the local government with plans for 100% clean electricity for the Boise community by 2035, and carbon neutrality by 2050.
At the national level, legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act has aided in working to help combat climate change, but action on the local level is what will truly make a difference. That is why action plans like the ones in Boise and Moscow are so important to build and work towards. If a small town like Moscow and a booming city like Boise can achieve the same goal, there’s little excuse for other cities and towns across the nation to not adopt similar plans tailored for their respective populations.
Avista, the energy provider in Moscow, has a goal of providing 100% clean energy by 2045, making the city’s 2050 goal look more than doable. Idaho is a state that is famous for its nature-centric experiences. By implementing climate action plans like these, we can further safeguard these experiences and ensure that they are fully enjoyed by future generations.
Reaching these goals will take more than just a roadmap, though. It is up to each individual in a city, town and community to make a change in their lifestyle. If we as a community can commit to using less and living more sustainably, these goals will become far more achievable than they would be if success rested on the shoulders of a few individuals.
Mackenzie Davidson can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @mackenzie_films
Mueller
I love this! Here on my green farm in northern Idaho, I have long been experimenting with solar-powered electronics. My dad, a USMC electrical engineer, inspired that interest in me.