The challenges posed by climate change and the need to move our energy systems away from fossil fuels are plenty daunting. For many of us, this pair seems all the more difficult when considering the twinned, joined at the hip relationship between them.
A new report, however, has some good news. When it comes to changing the ecological status quo, starting small and local may represent the logical first step. But it’s also remarkably effective.
The CDP Cities Report, arising from a partnership between the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI) and written by the British firm ClimateSense, tracks municipal-scale greenhouse gas and energy assessments and initiatives in 18 American cities. Included among participating cities: New York, N.Y.; Portland, Ore.; Burlington, Vt.; North Little Rock, Ark.; and Fairfield, Iowa.
Participating cities began with an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions among city operations, and then moved onto the identification and implementation of next steps to reduce impact. This positioned them to show leadership before subsequently reaching out beyond city operations into respective local business communities to enlist active support.
Paul Dickinson, CEO of CDP is understandably enthusiastic about local action producing results.
“We applaud the cities who took part in this project for the steps they are taking towards tackling climate change. Cities around the world have the potential to drive significant emissions reductions globally. The cities participating in this project embarked on an important task to improve their understanding of the risks and opportunities they face from climate change in order to take action and prepare themselves for a carbon-constrained world. These are important steps that need to be taken as a matter or urgency by other cities and organizations around the world.”
In looking forward, the large majority of participating cities recognize benefits to these efforts to include savings enjoyed through improved energy efficiency as well as a strengthening sense of community among residents.
It’s an important and valuable reminder: Challenges that may at first blush seem too big to solve are often appropriately and effectively confronted right in our own front yards.