City gets ready to clean up its act and host climate summit.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg released the first comprehensive inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in New York City's history and announced that New York will host mayors from large cities around the world at a C40 Large Cities Climate Summit in May.

"New York has always been a leader in forward thinking public policies, and by undertaking the most comprehensive, detailed inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in US history, and establishing a very clear target for reductions, we will lead by example in fighting global warming. We look forward to discussing these issues with mayors from around the world here next month," said Mayor Bloomberg.

"You can no longer deny the science and bury your head in the sand --climate change is real, and by looking at where and how we are contributing to that problem, we can identify how to reduce our emissions and create a better future for our children and grandchildren."

The inventory will serve as the benchmark for reducing greenhouse gas (carbon) emissions by 30% between now and 2030, a target the Mayor set during his December 12, 2006 speech.

Specific plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to targeted levels will be detailed in a major policy speech scheduled for later this month.

The speech is expected to propose solutions to the challenges facing New York City as it grows by approximately one million residents between now and 2030.

The report released this week breaks down emissions into two separate inventories: those produced by New York City as a whole and those produced from City government operations. New York's greenhouse gas emissions inventory was completed as part ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability's "Cities for Climate Protection" Campaign. New York is one of 750 cities participating internationally, including 240 U.S. cities.

The analysis shows that citywide carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions were approximately 58 million metric tons in 2005, with 79% coming from buildings. New York's carbon emissions were approximately 1% of 2005 U.S. totals, and less than a third of the average U.S. per capita level.

However, citywide emissions have increased by approximately 8% in the last ten years, and are on trend to increase approximately 25% above 2005 levels by 2030.

City government CO2e emissions were 3.8 million metric tons in 2006, with 64% coming from City owned buildings. City government emissions increased by 15% from 1995 to 2001. Nevertheless, government emissions have remained stable over the last five years, and are on trend to remain so through 2017, despite background growth in electricity use.

"We applaud New York City for the completion of their greenhouse gas inventory, the most comprehensive ever completed by a U.S. city, which builds on the tremendous progress the city has already made towards climate protection," said Michelle Wyman, executive director of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability.

"The biggest city in the U.S. is also one of the leaders in local climate action, earning the nickname the 'Big Green Apple.' New York City has demonstrated that we can turn the problem of global warming into profitable solutions that also make our communities cleaner, better places to live."

New York City will host mayors and delegations from cities around the world at the C40 Large Cities Climate Summit, convened to promote the role of cities in reducing carbon emissions and reversing global climate change.

The Summit will take place May 14-17, 2007, at the Essex House Hotel and other venues throughout the City.