APA Calls For Essential Climate Action

Planners are integral to climate solutions, helping communities understand, prepare, and incorporate new clean mobility and development opportunities to reach essential climate goals. Additionally, planners will help ensure climate change burdens do not fall disproportionally upon at-risk populations.
APA Statement on UN Climate Change Conference
APA President Leo Asuncion Jr., AICP, reaffirmed and redoubled the planning community's committment to tackling the climate crisis. In a statement released at the start of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), Asuncion called today the "essential moment" for working together to combat climate change and its impacts on people, places, and our planet.
International Partner Webinar
APA through its partnership with the Global Planners Network will highlight planning's role in bringing together key stakeholders to take climate action. APA President Leo Asuncion Jr., AICP, will join leaders from the Royal Town Planning Institute, Commonwealth Association of Planners, and ISOCARP, for "The Race to Net Zero: Why We Need to Plan The World We Need." The in-person and webcast event will be held November 8, 2021.
1.5oC COP26 Communiqué
APA was among more than 60 firms and professional built environment associations calling for increased emission reduction targets by world governments, including the United States. The invitation-only Communiqué, comes ahead of next month's global meeting of COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties.
Buildings account for a significant share of global carbon emissions, and this coalition of built environment and design organizations is committed to leading efforts to meet accelerated climate targets.
Climate Change Policy Guide

Advocating for a Safer, More Resilient Future
Planners have the expertise, perspectives, and skills to lead the local and regional responses to the climate crisis — but require federal and state action to amplify local planning efforts.
APA's Climate Change Policy Guide positions planners to advocate for the federal and state policies that will empower communities to plan for a safer, more resilient, and carbon-free future.
Top image: Downtown Los Angeles with misty morning smoggy fog. trekandshoot/iStock/gettyimages.com.