"Global Warming: Blue Skies, Green Cities"

[GreenPartyVoter]

WASHINGTON - Ignoring inaction at the highest levels of the U.S. government, 145 mayors across the country have formed a coalition to combat global warming and begun to reshape their cities using innovative programs and technologies.

The mayors say they can make urban living more eco-friendly and at the same time create jobs and stimulate local economies.

The Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty calling for reductions in the greenhouse gases that accelerate climate change, took effect in February. But the United States, which makes up four percent of the world's population and produces 22 percent of the world's greenhouse gases, did not ratify the treaty.

The George W. Bush administration opposes Kyoto because officials argue it would raise energy prices and kill five million U.S. jobs. The administration has also raised questions about the scientific legitimacy of climate change.

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0720-04.htm

[G_j]

1. it appears this is the only way left open

(good for them!!)


"They have also agreed to pressure state and federal governments to follow Kyoto's targets, and to push Congress to pass the bipartisan Climate Stewardship Act, which would establish a national emissions trading system.

”Mayors across America are making it clear: we're not going to wait for the federal government to do something to prevent the production of greenhouse gases. We're going to step up and provide the leadership at the local level, city by city,” said Greg Nickels, the mayor of Seattle.

More than half the world and 80 percent of the U.S. population live in urban areas, and cities consume 75 percent of the earth's natural resources, according to San Francisco's Department of Environment."

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. Gives us a little hope. As long as we can keep the Feds from mucking it up

like when ** stuck his nose in where CA's emissions were concerned.

[justinsb]

3. Good for them!

That's great news! It really is true that you have the greatest impact, politically, at the local level. The actions of the President do not have nearly as much impact on your day to day life as what is decided at city hall and in the state legislatures. Taking back the US government has to start at the local level.

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. Absolutely. Both policy-wise and election reform wise.