San Francisco, April 22 (People's Daily Online) - In celebration of the 45th anniversary of Earth Day, San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee today launched a new campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.

The campaign named “Zero-50-100-Roots” shows the city's commitment to send zero waste to the landfill, reach 50 percent sustainable travel, use 100 percent renewable energy and pull carbon dioxide out of the air.

The City recently reported that its 2012 greenhouse gas emissions were at an unprecedented 23 percent below 1990 levels and that the City is on track to reduce emissions below 1990 levels by 25 percent by 2017 and 40 percent by 2025.

“San Francisco has successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions even while our economy and our population have been growing, but California’s severe drought is a reminder that the effects of climate change are being felt sooner by our residents and with greater impact than expected,” said Mayor Lee. “San Francisco’s new ‘Zero-50-100-Roots’ campaign showcases our City’s commitment to providing real solutions to climate change and pushes a climate action agenda that helps San Francisco reach our ambitious goals for a more sustainable future.”

President Barack Obama recognized San Francisco in March as a Climate Action Champion for its steadfast leadership on Climate Change.

San Francisco has reduced by half the amount of material sent to landfill. This reduction is attributed to residents and businesses working together to achieve the City’s goal of Zero Waste by 2020. Investments in transit alternatives along with more San Franciscans walking, biking, ridesharing and riding public transit has helped San Francisco achieved its goal three years ahead of schedule.

Lee with City departments, business and community leaders today kicked off the “Zero-50-100-Roots” campaign by boarding a Muni bus, wrapped and branded with the campaign’s message to remind San Franciscans that they have a role in helping the City reach its climate goals.