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Cool Your City

by Tom Larson |

All over America, communities are taking action to help solve global warming. The Cool Cities campaign helps cities turn their commitments into action by pushing for smart energy solutions.

Your City Can Become a Cool City

Communities all over America are responding to the threat of global warming with smart energy solutions. These "Cool Cities" are taking decisive action to reduce heat-trapping emissions, lower energy bills, save taxpayer dollars, and protect our environment.

At a time when the federal government is failing to act, mayors and other local leaders are taking the lead to curb global warming. Beginning with Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, more than 200 mayors representing 42 million Americans in 38 states have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to reduce global warming carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution in their cities to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.

These Cool Cities are working to meet this goal with practical and innovative energy solutions that reduce energy waste and pollution, and thereby cut our dependence on oil, benefit public health, and save money.

Now is the time to act

Scientists have concluded that burning fossil fuels—like oil, coal, and natural gas—to power our cars, homes, and businesses is causing global temperatures to rise. This heating of the earth poses a serious threat to our health, safety, economy, and environment. The good news is that we have the tools today to reduce global warming pollution, and cities of all sizes are pursuing innovative energy solutions. While every city’s energy solutions plan will be unique, there are three key common Cool City strategies: Green Vehicle Fleets, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy.

In Florida, Gainesville, North Miami, Pompano Beach, Key Biscayne, Port St. Lucie, Key West, and Miami’s mayors are just a few who have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, the first step to becoming a cool city.

How can your city become a Cool City?
Visit http://www.coolcities.us/node/401 for more information, or contact your local Sierra Club Chair Tom Larson at 247-1876 or Tom.Larson@Florida.SierraClub.org.