New Hampshire has signed the Under 2 MOU, a global compact among cities, states and provinces worldwide to limit the increase in global average temperature to below 2 degrees Celsius.
“The science is clear that greenhouse gas emissions and other man-made pollutants are the key contributors to climate change, which threatens our environment, our economy and our way of life,” said Governor Hassan. “We know that a healthy environment and economic development go hand-in-hand, and that’s why doing everything that we can to address climate change is an economic imperative for our state."
Signatories to the Under 2 MOU agree to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions 80 to 95 percent below 1990 levels, or meet a limit of two metric tons of CO2-equivalent per capita by 2050, the same as identified in the 2009 New Hampshire Climate Action Plan.The Under 2 MOU does not include a mandated path to meet reduction targets.
In addition to the emissions reduction goals, the Under 2 MOU calls for parties to increase energy efficiency and develop renewable energy; to coordinate on transportation issues and the development of electric vehicle infrastructure; to collaborate on climate change adaption and resilience efforts; and to coordinate in the areas of scientific assessments, communication and public participation.
New Hampshire joins California, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington as American states to sign the agreement. The Under 2 MOU has now been signed or endorsed by 49 jurisdictions representing 19 countries and five continents. They collectively represent 499 million people and more than $14.7 trillion in GDP.
Current Issue - April 2024