Local Government Agreements

Local governments not only have the power to address climate change but the responsibility to do so. Cities and counties are stepping up to the plate on energy efficiency and conservation through sustainable practices, and many organizations are pulling local governments together in partnerships and agreements that require accountability. Below are some key organizations that help local governments to reduce their greenhouse gases in a meaningful way.

Amortize Costs of Solar

Bill Clinton addresses U.S. mayors at the Climate Protection Summit in Seattle (Photo: U.S. Conference of Mayors)

Clinton Climate Initiative

Building on his long-term commitment to preserving the environment, President Clinton launched the Clinton Foundation's Climate Initiative in August 2006 with the mission of applying the Foundation's business-oriented approach to the fight against climate change in practical, measurable and significant ways.
Read more...



Amortize Costs of Solar

ICLEI has offices in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa (Image: ICLEI)

ICLEI

"ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is an international association of local governments and national and regional local government organizations that have made a commitment to sustainable development. More than 700 cities, towns, counties their associations worldwide comprise ICLEI's growing membership. ICLEI works with these and hundreds of other local governments through international performance-based, results-oriented campaigns and programs." Read more...



California Climate Action Registry

"The California Climate Action Registry (the Registry) was established by California statute as a non-profit voluntary registry for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The purpose of the Registry is to help companies and organizations with operations in the state to establish GHG emissions baselines against which any future GHG emission reduction requirements may be applied..."
Read more...



Chicago Climate Exchange

"Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), launched in 2003, is the world’s first and North America’s only active voluntary, legally binding integrated trading system to reduce emissions of all six major greenhouse gases (GHGs), with offset projects worldwide... Reductions achieved through CCX are the only reductions made in North America through a legally binding compliance regime, providing independent, third party verification by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA, formerly NASD). CCX emitting Members make a voluntary but legally binding commitment to meet annual GHG emission reduction targets... Those who reduce below the targets have surplus allowances to sell or bank; those who emit above the targets comply by purchasing CCX Carbon Financial Instrument® (CFI™) contracts." Read more...



Amortize Costs of Solar

Local government decisions influence up to half the country’s emissions. (Photo: Playbook)

Playbook

"The Playbook provides local governments with tools and resources to rapidly advance green buildings, neighborhoods and infrastructure. Strategic action in these sectors promotes economic development, builds healthier communities, strengthens energy independence and supports climate protection."
Read more...



Amortize Costs of Solar

Cool Cities have made a commitment to stopping global warming by signing the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement.


top of page

Cool Cities

"All over America, communities are taking action to help solve global warming. From hybrid vehicle fleets in Charlotte, to green buildings in Austin and homes powered with renewable energy in Seattle, local governments are moving forward with innovative energy solutions that curb global warming, save taxpayer dollars and create healthier cities. At a time when the federal government is failing to act, these local leaders are moving America toward a safer and more secure future."
Read more...


Amortize Costs of Solar

Take a look at the Cool Mayor profiles and see the full list of more than 600 participating Cool Mayors.

Cool Mayors

"A Cool Mayor is about climate and leadership. A Cool Mayor is about a can-do attitude and a solutions-oriented approach. A Cool Mayor is prepared to take on a difficult issue piece by piece and bring the community along. A Cool Mayor acts – to promote energy efficiency, pioneer renewable energy, recycle waste, plant trees, plan smart growth, reduce traffic congestion – whatever it takes to bring about climate protection, piece by piece, solution by solution." Read more...



cool_counties

Alameda County's Board of Supervisors has challenged California's 57 other counties to sign the Cool Counties Declaration. (Graphic: Cool Counties)

top of page

Cool Counties

"In July 2007, 12 counties across the United States, along with the Sierra Club, launched the Cool Counties Initiative to mobilize county governments to catalyze bold regional and federal action to address climate change. We are committed to work with our communities to reduce countywide greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050, an achievable national average of 2 percent." Read more...



Amortize Costs of Solar

SustainLane's achievements have been covered in the media by The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, CNN, CNBC, ABC, CBS, Forbes and more.

SustainLane

"Founded in November 2004, SustainLane began by publishing the first ranking on US city sustainability bringing unprecedented awareness to the topic. Today, SustainLane makes it easier to go green by helping consumers, businesses and government share what they know about going green. " Read more...



kyoto usa

With the support of KyotoUSA, Berkeley officially endorsed the Kyoto Protocol in January 2005.

Kyoto USA

"KyotoUSA is an all volunteer, grassroots organization that encourages U.S. cities and their residents to reduce the global warming greenhouse gas emissions for which they are responsible." Read more...

top of page

Global warming is the most serious threat facing the planet today. Studies conducted by the world's most respected climate scientists demonstrate that we must act collectively and immediately to make significant reductions in the the amount of GHGs that we are releasing into the atmosphere. Our failure to act now will result in catastrophic and irreversible consequences for all life on this planet. Cities have an opportunity to bring about change through efficiency and conservation efforts. Read more...

Key California Maps and Statistics