[All] A new way of measuring carbon emissions (for local governments)

[Peter Kofler]

I realize that, for various reasons, this may not be the best time in recent memory to undertake a comprehensive GHG inventory, but is anyone out there familiar with the appropriate people at local municipal and/or regional government(s) to pass this information on to? 
 
http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/climate/emissions-inventories/2008-report.aspx
 
The so-called "new" way of calculating greenhouse gases involves not only calculating actual GHGs generated locally, but also calculating GHGs embedded in products consumed locally but manufactured/assembled/transported/distributed from outside of the region while utilized/consumed locally. 
 
As Grist's David Roberts writes in a related article: 
  
So, for instance, in 2008 King County produced about 12 tons of GHGs per resident. But its consumption-based GHGs came in at 29 tons per resident. More than double! That’s interesting in its own right, but particularly important for informing the county’s climate policies.
 
Secondly, the report attempts to establish a framework whereby the county’s GHG emissions can be tracked over time, using data sources already available. It shows where political leaders can have the most impact, both direct (for King County, it’s buildings, driving, and waste disposal) and indirect (e.g., education campaigns to reduce meat consumption). This will encourage results-based rather than press-release-based policy making.
 
...the task of giving local leaders reliable, shared metrics to track GHGs is vital — the first step upon which all subsequent steps rely. Other cities will want to pay attention.
 
I imagine the inventory could be done in conjunction with local universities or community colleges interested in climate change/environmental themes. 
 
PK 		 	   		  
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