Agenda - 04-24-2007-4e - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Cool BCHTIES9" 4` a PUTTING GLOBAL WARMING SOLUTIONS INTO ACTION Four Steps to Become a Cool City Getting your city to become part of the fight against global wazming is as simple as the four steps outlined below. These steps are modeled on the Cities for Climate Protection program, a successful initiative run by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) to help cities reduce global warming pollution. Encouraging your city to join ICLEI's Cities for Climate Protection program is an excellent way to fizlfill the Cool Cities pledge. But any city can start making a difference by putting existing smart energy solutions to work today. Visit iclei.org for more information on the Cities for Climate Protection program. Step 1: Take the "Cool Cities" Pledge The first step towards curbing global warming pollution in your community is to ask your mayor to sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. This agreement sets the goal of reducing citywide global warming carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution to 7 percent below 19901evels by 2012. See seattle.gov/mayor/climate Step 2: Conduct a Global Warming Emissions Inventory The next step is to conduct an inventory of your city's current global warming emissions. This information will identify the city's major CO2 sources (and the greatest opportunities for reductions), and will provide a baseline to judge the city's progress towards its goal. Cities can receive technical assistance to conduct a global warming emissions inventory from a variety of sources including state and federal agencies as well as ICLEI through its Cities for Climate Protection program. Step 3: Create a Solutions Plan After completing its global wazming inventory, your city will be ready to develop a solutions plan that can reduce emissions while lowering energy costs for the city. While every city's energy solutions plan will be unique, there are three important strategies: Green Vehicle Fleets, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy. In some com- bination, these solutions, which are illustrated with specific success stories later in this guide, will form the foundation of your city's comprehensive energy-saving plan. For examples of Cool City Solutions Plans, visit sierraclub.org/coolcities "Minneapolis has set high standards for COz reduction and we're meeting them-a strategy that has earned our city tremendous environmental and economic benefits. Climate disrup- tion is a global problem but we feel the effects locally. We are thrilled with Seattle and Mayor Greg Nickels' initiative and will work hard to challenge our nation through our example." -Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, in front of his hybrid car Step 4: Implement and Monitor Progress Of course, a plan alone cannot cut global warming pollu- tion. It is essential that your city put the plan into action and monitor its progress periodically. With a strong commitment, a sound plan, and real action, your city will be on its way toward meeting the goals of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection .Agreement. With a strong commitment, a sound plan, and real action, your city will be on its way toward meeting the goals of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.