TAKE ACTION!!!

Four Steps to Become a Cool City

Step 1:  Take the "Cites for Climate Protection 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 your city's global warming carbon dioxide pollution to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.

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 carbon monoxide sources (and the greatest opportunities for reductions), and will provide a baseline to judge the cities progress towards its goal.  Technical assistance in conducting a global warming emissions inventory is available form a variety of sources, including the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives as well as state and federal agencies.  See www.iclei.org  

Step 3:  Create a Solutions Plan

     After completing its global warming inventory, your city will be ready to develop a solutions plan that can reduce emissions while lowering energy cost 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 combination, these solutions will form the foundation of your city's comprehensive energy-saving plan.

Step 4:  Implement and Monitor Progress

     Of course, a plan alone cannot cut global warming pollution.  It is essential that your city put the plan into action and monitor its progress periodically.  With a strong commitment, a sound plan and a real action, your city will be on its way toward meeting the goals of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.