Local Climate Action
Since federal governments around the globe aren’t taking urgent action to phase out fossil fuels and transition to renewables, we can take our power back by working with our local representatives to rapidly transition our towns and cities to zero emissions. We can also grow more local food, create green spaces to protect biodiversity, and reduce waste.
Climate Mobilization is helping citizens in the states transition their towns and cities to renewables. There are similar initiatives in other countries, like Zeroemi in Japan. The Transition Network is working to build a network of local communities around the globe that are based on mutual care, environmental protection, and sustainability. Transition is an approach that has spread to over 48 countries.
There is increasing recognition that top-down approaches are not enough to face the environmental, social, and economic challenges we are currently facing, and that top-down needs to be combined with community-level responses.
Read a round up of the headlines:
“A concerted global effort is needed to fight climate change, yet global commitments to reduce carbon emissions are inadequate and slow. Climate scientists warn that our goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels requires that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions peak by 2025 and then drop. Yet current policies and promises get us only to just less than three degrees Celsius by 2100.
Local, regional, and state efforts are needed to step up the pace. Local governments have an important responsibility to move our communities in the right direction. And that requires a plan.”
League of Women Voters, We Need Local Climate Action Plans
“A step-by-step guide to help local governments plan, implement, and evaluate climate, energy, and sustainability projects and programs.”
United States EPA, Local Climate Action Framework: A Step-by-Step Implementation Guide
“Pollution from burning coal and gas for energy is poisoning our communities and accelerating the climate crisis. In fact, the health benefits alone can more than pay for a clean energy transition.
Currently, 73% of US homes have access to green energy through their electric utility system, but few people know about these programs because most utilities have no financial incentive to market them. Four years ago, a team of volunteer troublemakers started coming together to change this.
The Green Neighbor Challenge is a non-profit project building a free online toolset to empower US residents to take energy action and advance energy democracy. Our green energy search tool allows you to find your local program with just a zip code. We require no personal information, as enrollment is completed on the program website.
The most important step: challenging your network to go green too! The more people that switch to renewable energy, the greater impact we will have on our energy system and health. Start courageous conversations — Together, we can breathe easier!
This is just the beginning. In addition to our green energy tool, we're adding resources to help neighbors explore their local solar options and home efficiency incentives. Resources for low income residents as well as educational, organizing, and advocacy tools are in development, but we could use your support. Will you join us, neighbor?”