In 2020, the city of Los Angeles had a population of over 10 million. Of those 10 million, about 13% live in below the poverty line. Surprisingly, California has the worst air pollution out of all the United States. Guess who that pollution effects most? Low-income communities. This is because the low-income areas retain pollution more than high-income communities. There is progress and research being made to combat this inequity though.
The LA Grand Challenge is an initiative that was started by the University of California, Los Angeles. This initiative aims to make LA a completely sustainable city by 2050. Their goal is to have 100% renewable energy, 100% local water sources, and enhance the ecosystem. I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Eric Hoek, a professor at UCLA and faculty director of the LA Grand Challenge, speak at the International Water Conference. He spoke briefly about the LA Grand Challenge and about some of the accomplishments that have so far come from it. For example, UCLA recently started the first Wildfire Institute and they have created new habitats for local bird species. There is also a big push for electric vehicles in LA.
The LA Grand Challenge is a great step to creating a sustainable and equal Los Angeles. UCLA is putting out tons of new research and creating projects that can have a huge impact on the city and its residents. If the world cam aims to make all its megacities, such as LA, to be sustainable, this would be a huge step in the right direction to ensure a healthy planet. I hope that LA reaches its goal by 20250, and I hope they achieve many smaller goals along the way. I think the LA Grand Challenge is a great example for other cities to follow in their footsteps. In 2022, Chicago is going to update the Climate Action Plan that will be “bolder” in its initiatives and goals. The plan is to reduce carbon emissions, increase household income, advance environmental justice, and improve community health. I am excited and interested to see what the plan entails and how these changes will help communities.
For more information on the LA Grand Challenge, here is a link to the webpage: https://grandchallenges.ucla.edu/sustainable-la/
For more information on the Chicago Climate Plan, here is a link: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/climate-action-plan/home.html