Global Warming Solutions, Including Renewable Energy

"The scientific understanding of climate change is now sufficiently clear to justify nations taking prompt action." The world's leading scientist ask us to "recognize that delayed action will increase the risk of adverse environmental effects and will likely incur a greater cost." {Source: "Joint Sciences Academies'Statement: Global Response to Climate Change, " June 2005- www.royalsoc.ac.uk/}

All over , cities, counties and states are launching an exciting grassroots movement to help solve one of our country's most pressing problems: global warming. Frustrated by stalling on the federal level, local leaders are moving forward with innovative energy solutions that cut our dependence on oil, benefit public health and save taxpayer dollars. These mayors, county commissioners and governors are leading the way toward a safer and more secure future.

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels was the first of more than 200 mayors representing 42 million Americans in 38 states to have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to reduce global warming carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution in their cities to 7 percent below levels by 2012 (see seattle.gov/mayor/climate).

Scientist 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 series 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. There are three key common strategies: Green Vehicle Fleets, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy.

Green Vehicle Solutions

Many cities are cutting their global warming emissions by purchasing gas electric hybrid cars and SUVs for their city vehicle fleet.

By using less gasoline, hybrid vehicles, release a fraction of the global warming and air pollution emitted by conventional vehicles while saving money at the gas pump.

Energy Efficiency Solutions

Energy efficient means using less energy through better technology to light streets and power buildings and industrial facilities. Reducing energy use is one of the most cost effective and fastest ways to meet our energy needs. Lowering energy cost enables communities to invest more in schools, job creation, and new infrastructure.

Since fossil fuel power plants account for more than one-third of global warming emissions, saving energy also means less pollution. Cities in every region of the country are modernizing lighting, heating, cooling, and other systems.

Renewable Energy Solutions

Cities across the nation are investing in clean and renewable power like solar and wind energy to lower global warming emissions and create a reliable source of safe, homegrown electricity.

Many cities are adopting "renewable energy standards" that require a specific percentage of the electricity sold in a city or utility area to come from renewable sources by a specific target date. Renewable power and energy efficiency are essential solutions for replacing electricity from dirty, fossil-fuel-burning power plants.

RE-ENERGIZING YOUR CITY

As the news of successful city solutions spreads, more cities are joining in the Cool Cities movement to lead our country and our world into a new energy future. To find out more visit www.sierraclub.org/coolcities

Now it's your city's turn.

Take action:

1. Join the Mayors Climate Protection Agreements to reduce global warming pollution.
   
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3. Green your city's vehicle fleets with hybrid and other cleaner cars
   
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5. Modernize city buildings with money-saving energy-efficiency technology
   
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7. Invest in clean and safe renewable energy
   
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