Los Angeles Investigates Carbon Footprint Monitoring Technologies

Recently, the city of Los Angeles initiated steps to evaluate the feasibility of implementing new software and monitoring technologies. The goal is to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of its carbon footprint.

State Mandates and City Initiatives

This initiative, spearheaded by council member Paul Koretz, aligns with directives from the California state legislature. These directives require businesses with annual gross revenues exceeding $1 billion to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and establish science-based reduction targets.

California is actively addressing the detrimental impacts of global climate change. It is a leader in promoting technologies and services designed to lessen climate impact and curtail greenhouse gas production, whether through phasing out fossil fuels or holding businesses accountable.

Opportunities for Tech Companies

Los Angeles aims to capitalize on this momentum and is actively seeking technology businesses specializing in carbon accounting solutions.

This presents opportunities for companies such as CarbonChain, Persefoni, ClimateView and SINAI Technologies, all of which offer tools for carbon accounting and management.

The willingness of major cities, with substantial budgets, to invest in these tools demonstrates a commitment to understanding and mitigating their contribution to climate change.

Feasibility Study and Reporting

The Los Angeles city council has tasked the Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation and the chief legislative analyst with assessing the viability of developing or procuring technology for accurate carbon footprint accounting.

Council member Koretz emphasized that the city’s services – including infrastructure maintenance, transportation, and water delivery – all have environmental consequences. A more precise and transparent accounting of emissions is crucial for achieving meaningful carbon reduction goals.

Prior Climate Action Efforts

Los Angeles has progressively prioritized climate change and related policies in its political discourse. An office of climate emergency was established in July 2019, and earlier this year, Mayor Eric Garcetti launched the climate emergency mobilization office to foster collaboration between city officials.

While funding for the accountability plan is yet to be allocated, implementation is anticipated within the 2021-2022 budget cycle.

Past Limitations and Future Improvements

Previous attempts to address the city’s carbon footprint were limited. The prior study relied on historical data and excluded “scope three” emissions – those generated by the city’s service providers.

Learning from New York City

Los Angeles can benefit from examining New York City’s approach. Under the Bloomberg Administration, carbon accounting and resilience planning were prioritized, even before the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy highlighted the city’s vulnerability.

Hurricane Sandy caused approximately $70 billion in damage and resulted in 233 fatalities across eight countries.

This disaster reinforced New York’s commitment to aggressive climate action. The city now has a comprehensive emissions accounting program and is implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors.

The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions

“Data drives decision-making and without data, we cannot chart a path toward a zero-emission future,” stated council member Joe Buscaino. He underscored the need for accountability and urgency in addressing climate change in Los Angeles.