'If Washington Will Not Lead On Climate Change': Mayor Setti Warren

NEWTON, MA – Newton Mayor Setti Warren said he will join the growing number of mayors across the country committing to the principals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

This comes a day after President Donald Trump announced the US would no longer abide by the non binding effort negotiated by almost 200 countries as a way to deal with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance set to begin in 2020.

“If Washington will not lead on climate change, cities and states must step in,” said Warren in a press release today.

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Warren said by signing the statement, it affirmed Newton’s commitment to the principles and goals outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement and linked the city with people across the world working to protect the planet from the affects of climate change. He also took some credit for reducing Newton's carbon footprint.

"In Newton, we have reduced the city’s carbon footprint in half since I took office in 2010. We will continue to invest in solar energy opportunities, build energy efficient buildings, and pursue additional technological advances to ensure that we are doing our part in this effort,” he said in the press release.

The Mayor's statement commits Newton to “meet…current climate goals, push for new action to meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius target, and work together [with other cities and international partners] to create a 21st century clean energy economy.”

Photo of Newton City Hall by Jenna Fisher/ Patch