Local communities matter a great deal in efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. In fact, smaller communities and municipalities are often overlooked when talking about mitigating climate change. It is important to have change at the federal, provincial (state or counties), and big business level, however municipalities play a significant role in our efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and prepare for the negative effects of climate change. Many municipalities and communities are coming up with significant innovations to tackle what some have called the greatest challenge humankind will ever face.
Be the change that you want to see in the world.
The Canadian Federation of Municipalities (CFM), a carbon neutral organization, is setting an example to encourage municipalities across Canada to become more green and sustainable through low interest loans and grants for environmental and/or sustainability initiatives. In the USA, several hundred-community mayors are taking matters into their own hands and committing their cities to abide by the Kyoto Protocol even though President George Bush rejected the international environmental treaty. Local efforts can affect real change, regardless of what government is currently operating on at the federal level.
More than 50% of greenhouse gas emissions are under the direct (or indirect) control of local governments in North America.
Get Your Vote On!
Unfortunately, in most communities in North America, residents continue to believe local elections are much less important than provincial or federal elections, with habitual dismal voter turnouts. In actually more than 50% of greenhouse gas emissions are under the direct (or indirect) control of local governments in North America. Individuals around the world need to exercise their right to vote at every level. If you don’t like what you see in your community, it is time to consider running for office and, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, be the change that you want to see in the world.
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