Celebrating New York Climate Week; Creating Climate Smart Communities

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Climate Smart Communities, Climate Justice, and Environmental Justice

Go Car Free for Climate this Week

Car free for climate graphic of sun rays and green landscape

This week is New York Climate Week. Join our fellow New Yorkers in making a difference on climate change this week by going car free! The Car Free for Climate event is taking place September 21 thru 27, and you can participate by taking the pledge to not drive your car at least one day during this week.

Reasons to Go Car-Free

Transportation represents the largest source of New York State’s greenhouse gas emissions and the largest part of most New Yorker’s personal carbon footprint as well. In fact, it accounts for 36 percent of greenhouse gases in New York State. That’s more than electricity generation, waste, refrigerants, and agriculture combined.

This is why it is critically important that we all lower our emissions from transportation in order to meet our nation-leading, economy-wide greenhouse gas emission reduction goals of 40 percent of 1990 emission levels by 2030, 85 percent by 2050, and ultimately net-zero. Learn more about the impacts of climate change in New York.

Participating is simple! Here’s how:

  • Take the Pledge
    • Take the pledge to have your emissions reductions count towards our overall total! It just takes a minute. Note: you can pledge to not drive anywhere from one day to all seven days during the week.
  • Don’t Drive
    • Simply don’t drive the day(s) that you pledged not to. Alternatives include combining trips on other days, using options such as walking/biking, or even teleworking.
  • Post
    • In a safe manner, take a selfie and post it to social media using #NYSCarFree to let everyone know about your commitment to making a difference and going car free.

[Note: COVID-19 is still a risk. While not driving your vehicle during Climate Week, please follow all New York State Department of Health and CDC guidelines regarding preventing the transmission of COVID-19, including wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands for at least 20 seconds.]

Learn more and find resources to help you go car free on the NYS Office of General Services’ website.

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