It would be wrong for local governments to see themselves just as victims of climate change. Three-fourths of all greenhouse gases come from American towns and cities, and local government decisions influence up to half the country’s emissions.
By making changes in three key areas, municipalities can start making deep emission reductions.
Local governments’ power to fight climate change
- Buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gases in the U.S. This can be attributed to the heavy dominance of coal for electricity – the most greenhouse gas intensive of all conventional fuels.
- Today, America’s most visible contribution to climate change is extensive, low-density residential developments interspersed by isolated commercial centers surrounded by parking lots, all connected by a vast road network congested with vehicles driven longer and longer distances.
- Municipal infrastructure tends to be highly resource and energy intensive, and therefore highly greenhouse gas intensive.
Commitment signed by more than 500 US mayors to take action on climate change
Well established organization supporting local government action on climate change
Resource centre for counties taking action on climate change
Hub for local climate action for mayors and municipalities
Tools and analysis for citizens to work with municipalities to advance climate protection
In the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas of America, climate change will cause more storms. Since 1980, there have been 70 natural weather-caused disasters averaging over $1 billion in damages to infrastructure alone per event. (Centre for Integrative Environmental Research, 2007)
