“[For] most climates, scientists now assume that we have to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions possibly up to 70 percent below 1990 levels,” Danielson said.

Davis agreed that the Climate Protection Plan might eventually become more rigorous.

“I heard of some people who wish it was even more stringent,” she said. “It is pretty far-reaching and it’s the first step, and at some point, we may need to adjust it to be more stringent.”

The plan is expected to pass the council within the next few weeks, according to Rubenstein.

“It got a very warm reception,” she said. “It’s an action plan, and I think it’s a really good one. I think it’s going to be a welcome addition to the landscape.”

Cambridge has been a part of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) since May 1998, when the city council voted to join the Cities for Climate Protection Program (CCPP). More than 100 U.S. cities participate in CCPP, which encourages municipalities to take steps to reduce global warming.