Pittsburgh, Grand Rapids, Chicago, Albuquerque, Austin, San José – right across the U.S., there are local governments with well-developed climate plans. Their experience shows climate plans can be catalysts for creating a much more integrated approach to setting municipal priorities.

As well as reducing the long-term risk of climate impacts, the multiple benefits of a strong climate plan include:

• Lower energy costs through efficiency and conservation in residential and commercial buildings.
• Reduced health costs and improved air quality through reduced fossil fuel use.
• Enhanced livability, less traffic congestion, and more active lifestyles from smart growth neighborhoods.
• New municipal revenue streams from sustainable energy production;
• Better use of taxpayer money and stronger municipal fiscal performance through more strategic infrastructure investment.
• Economic development and job creation in growth industries.
• Greater economic resilience in a world with steadily rising oil prices.

Buildings, neighborhoods and infrastructure are the building blocks of our towns and cities. They are also the foundation of a strong integrated sustainability agenda that can meet our climate change challenge.