For over two decades, Seattle’s mayors have been pledging efforts to tackle the city’s climate crisis, but the outcomes have been mixed and often disappointing.
To align with science-based targets necessary for maintaining a livable planet, Seattle must reduce its emissions nearly in half by 2030.
Halving emissions in just five years demands an unprecedented enhancement in the city’s climate change strategies, particularly in addressing tailpipe emissions, which are recognized as the leading source of greenhouse gas pollution in Seattle and throughout the U.S.
Despite various initiatives aimed at decarbonizing the city, Seattle’s carbon dioxide emissions have fluctuated around 6 million tons annually.
Emily Pinckney, chair of the city’s oversight board for its Green New Deal law, expressed urgency in the city’s fight against climate change, stating, “We don’t have the luxury of delay. Emissions are already sneaking back toward those pre-pandemic levels. At this rate, we need to move 10 times faster to meet the urgency of this moment.”
In response to this pressing need, Mayor Harrell signed an executive order aimed at mitigating traffic during major events, including construction on Interstate 5 and the upcoming 2026 men’s World Cup.
Key components of this order involve closing streets around popular areas in the city, such as Seattle Center, Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market, and the Chinatown-International District during World Cup matches, encouraging the utilization of public transit and “micromobility” options like scooters.
“We aim for 80% of fans to arrive without personal cars,” stated Adiam Emery, the interim director of the Seattle Department of Transportation.
Highlighting the relatively short average trip length of just over two miles in Seattle, Emery added, “We have an amazing opportunity to flip short trips to the more sustainable modes.”
Moreover, the executive order seeks to accelerate the transition from gasoline-fueled vehicles to electric alternatives, emphasizing the need for rapid progress in this area.
On a national scale, recent politics complicate Seattle’s climate initiatives. President Donald Trump has curtailed several programs intended to combat climate change, as evidenced by his executive order issued on April 8 that mandates Attorney General Pam Bondi to identify and suggest measures against state and local climate laws deemed illegal.
“My Administration is committed to unleashing American energy, especially through the removal of all illegitimate impediments to the identification, development, siting, production, investment in, or use of domestic energy resources,” Trump’s order states.
In light of these challenges, Harrell underscored the importance of local climate actions.
He remarked on Seattle’s determination to confront the climate crisis, stating, “This action here today demonstrates that Seattle will not back down from our work in addressing the climate crisis.”
Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck echoed this sentiment at the signing ceremony, labeling the executive order a crucial step, yet not sufficient on its own.
“The future of our city depends on climate action that leaves no one behind,” she asserted, expressing her commitment to advancing transformative solutions rather than settling for incremental changes.
While some strategies outlined in the executive order are not entirely new, the directive to establish three “low-pollution neighborhoods” by 2028 is a continuation of ongoing efforts to mitigate air pollution and increase safety in areas disproportionately affected by vehicular traffic.
Furthermore, the Seattle Department of Transportation has been working on implementing an e-bike cargo program since 2022, with plans to launch it by September to help reduce emissions from delivery vehicles.
Harrell proudly acknowledged Seattle’s history of climate leadership, claiming, “We are proud that Seattle has been a national and global leader on climate for decades.”
Deputy Mayor Jessyn Farrell reinforced this declaration, stating, “We are number one on climate action.”
According to the city’s climate action plan from 2013, which is set for an update by October 2026, Seattle aims to cut emissions by 58% below 2008 levels by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
However, the latest data showed that by 2022, emissions had only dipped 7% below the 2008 baseline and were trending upward.
The Green New Deal law introduced in 2019 set ambitious goals for zero emissions by 2030, but the city has since leaned towards the more achievable target of zero climate pollution by 2050.
Pinckney urged for more decisive actions not only to combat emissions but also to prepare the city for future climate challenges.
“We are a sanctuary city. We are a climate refuge,” Pinckney remarked, emphasizing the city’s role as a safe haven for those seeking hope and a sustainable future.
As Seattle moves forward, the city faces the dual challenge of implementing immediate, effective climate strategies while cultivating long-term sustainable solutions to secure a livable city for generations to come.
image source from：https://www.kuow.org/stories/seattle-launches-new-actions-to-tame-transport-s-climate-impact
