mayors go green

The Kyoto protocol is an agreement by countries to reduce their carbon emissions and five other greenhouse gases to help stop global warming. The protocol took effect on February 16, 2005 by the 141 countries that ratified it. As you likely know, the US did not.

Many people find this embarrassing and outrageous. Luckily some people have found ways to work the system. Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels started the Climate Protection Act and has encouraged mayors to hold their cities to the standards of the Kyoto Protocol. As of April 26, 2007 494 mayors from 50 states, representing over 64 million Americans have signed the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

Under the Mayor's Climate Agreement "participating cities commit to take following three actions:

• Strive to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities, through actions ranging from anti-sprawl land-use policies to urban forest restoration projects to public information campaigns;

• Urge their state governments, and the federal government, to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol -- 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and

• Urge the U.S. Congress to pass the bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation, which would establish a national emission trading system"

Has your mayor signed the agreement?

A great example of everyone doing their part, adding up to significant impact.
Mayors go green!