A Toronto city report looks into ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 6 percent within five years; 30 percent by 2020; and 80 percent by 2050. Tolls on highways, bans on gas-powered lawnmowers and leaf blowers, hybrid taxis and retrofits to buildings are all discussed.

Toronto Mayor David Miller states that Torontonians are ready to give up their leaf blowers and gas-powered lawn mowers in an effort to combat climate change. This potential ban could take effect by 2010.

In a news conference in Michigan, Mayor David Miller states that Toronto has not yet reached its water conservation goals and urges other mayors to pursue tighter regulations. However, Miller has been misinformed and Toronto is in fact doing better than expected.

The city set out in 2003 to reduce average water use to 1.18 billion litres a day by 2011. Turns out the rate was down to 1.17 billion litres by the end of 2006.

“China’s top coal producing province has offered rewards of up to 2 million yuan ($263,800) to cities dropping off a list of the country’s 10 worst polluters, the official Xinhua news agency said on Monday.”

“The issue of climate change and whether humans are causing it is an ongoing question. But in Boulder, the city has taken a firm position that global climate shift is real, and that officials here should work to reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses produced by businesses and people in Boulder County. The Camera talked to Sarah Van Pelt, with the city of Boulder’s Office of Environmental Affairs, about how area residents can make a difference.”

King County Executive Ron Sims is not endorsing measures to extend the Seattle light-rail line. Instead, he is backing projects that help reduce greenhouse gases. “His Transit Now package, a sales-tax boost to add bus service, won voter approval last fall. The new buses will be clean hybrids, he says.”

In 1995 Seattle’s traffic ranked 7th-worst in the United States, with drivers spending an average of 52 hours in traffic due to congestion. In 2005, Seattle drivers are spending an average of 45 hours, and rank 19th-worst.

The city of Seattle is aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7% below 1990 levels by 2012. The Seattle Climate Action Now campaign offers information on climate change. Visit their website for more information.

Experts gathered at the Walk21 conference to discuss options for more pedestrian-friendly cities and suburbs. David Miller also signed the International Charter for Walking, “making Toronto the 26th city in the world to sign on. But it takes more than talk to produce people-friendly streets, warned experts” at the conference.

High-efficiency showerheads are being given away in the City of Seattle, in attempt to promote and save water. The project estimates to save about 350,000 gallons of water a day.