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By Aayushi Sharma
Claim: ‘C40 Cities’ have set a target to ban meat or dairy consumption and use of private vehicles by 2030.
Fact: Theoretical ideas of a scientific report about possible ways to fight climate change have been falsely projected as binding targets set by ‘C40 Cities’.
Post:
A report published in 2019 by the C40 Cities network, the University of Leeds titled “The future of urban consumption in a 1.5°C world,” has been cited as the source of this claim in the video uploaded in the viral X post. It also has been claimed that mayors of several cities are signing a pledge to fight climate change by enforcing some radical controls on the consumption of individuals, like banning meat and dairy.
What did we find?
The report actually analyses the climate impact of consumption in ‘C40 cities’, a network of major cities around the world that have committed to fighting climate change. It analyses how certain lifestyle changes like eating less meat and buying less clothing would affect their greenhouse gas emissions from 2030 onwards.
In the report, the authors have distinguished between progressive and ambitious targets. The so-called targets denounced in the claim like no meat, no dairy, no private cars are actually among the ambitious targets.
The authors have also clarified that there is no expectation as such that these will be implemented thoroughly. The study says, “This report does not advocate for the wholesale adoption of these more ambitious targets in C40 cities; rather, they are included to provide a set of reference points that cities, and other actors, can reflect on when considering different emission-reduction alternatives and long-term urban visions.”
What does the report say?
This report assesses the impact of urban consumption on greenhouse gas emissions. It also explores the changes needed to make sure that the cities reduce their overall greenhouse gas emissions aligned with internationally determined, climate-safe limits. It looks at expanding the scope of how cities evaluate their emissions to include “consumption-based” emissions, or emissions related to the goods and services that are consumed within the city. Although primarily focused on C40 member cities, it has broader applicability.
The key points in the report are:
- One of the main causes of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions is urban consumption. Through their influence on global supply networks, cities can have a major effect on greenhouse gas emissions that extend beyond their physical boundaries.
- When consumption-based emissions are taken into consideration, the C40 member cities alone account for 10% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
- Although many cities (such as those in the C40) have put in place robust action plans to drastically reduce emissions generated inside their borders, emissions as determined by the amount of energy consumed in cities are increasing and will almost quadruple by 2050 if current trends continue.
- By 2030, emissions from urban consumption must be cut in half to prevent climatic collapse. This requires a two-thirds reduction in emissions from consumption in affluent cities during the next ten years, as well as the adoption of sustainable consumption practices by quickly growing economies as they expand.
- Cities are already taking the lead in combating climate change by establishing goals based on science and making significant efforts to lower local emissions from trash, energy, transportation, and buildings. However, while thinking about how to lessen a city’s entire impact on climate change, emissions from consumption must be evaluated.
- Emissions from the main consumption categories can be greatly reduced by urban consumer activity (see below).
- Reducing emissions depending on consumption will benefit a city’s citizens more broadly. If changes are implemented properly, everyone stands to benefit—individuals, companies, and local governments alike. A city that practises sustainable consumption, for instance, will have more public spaces, cleaner air, safer streets for bicyclists and pedestrians, efficient use of water and land, and more reasonably priced housing.
There is ample research on the carbon footprint of various foods. Research has shown that there is a lot of variation based on the location, and production methods, as well as the distance transported. Foods derived from animals contribute substantially more to greenhouse gas emissions than foods derived from plants.
What is the “Cities race to zero”? Why has it been rumoured that cities signed the pledge to zero meat consumption?
The goal of the global Race to Zero initiative is to mobilise investors, businesses, and local and regional governments in favour of a robust, healthy, and carbon-free recovery that fends off dangers in the future, generates good jobs, and opens the door to inclusive, sustainable growth.
Cities are coming together to show their support for inclusive climate action in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement through the Cities Race to Zero, a version of Race to Zero that is only for cities. C40 is also a partner of this initiative. Thus, those mayors of C40 who signed the climate pledge were rumoured to pledge the ban on meat and dairy consumption among other pledges.
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