For Immediate Release: April 20, 2009
Contact: Annie Strickler (ICLEI) 510.844.0699 x328
Local Governments Host Events to Connect Neighbors, Businesses, Universities, and Civic Leaders to Drive Climate Change Solutions
Nationwide – This Earth Day dozens of local governments across the country are taking the old adage “Think Globally, Act Locally” to a new level by participating in the National Conversation on Climate Action. They will bring together thousands of people in communities across the country – from Sumter, South Carolina, to Los Angeles, California – to drive local level solutions to global climate change in unique events designed to inform and inspire action. At a time when headlines are dominated by reports of the struggling economy, job losses, energy concerns and climate change, there is a critical need for communities to be active and engaged on these issues.
More information about this unprecedented initiative: www.climateconversation.org.
Watch the video all events will screen: http://www.climateconversation.org/index.php?id=9645
The National Conversation is lead by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Earth Day Network and AmericaSpeaks. It is supported by the American Planning Association, National League of Cities, Sierra Club, the US Green Building Council and many other prominent organizations.
“Earth Day 2009 arrives at a unique moment in history, and it demands an equally new, bold approach. We can create green jobs, boost the economy, drive clean energy solutions and fight global warming together, but it starts with a conversation,” said Michelle Wyman, Executive Director of ICLEI USA. ‘Today that conversation will begin in communities from Connecticut and Florida to Washington and California and everywhere in between.”
Among the communities participating in the National Conversation, the following were selected as Spotlight Conversations as their challenges, opportunities and commitment to solutions merit special attention: Greenburgh, New York; Hennepin County, Minnesota; Houston, Texas; Jackson, Wyoming; Lexington, Kentucky (Fayette County); Los Angeles County, California; Sarasota County, Florida; Sumter, South Carolina; and Tucson, Arizona. Summaries of their events are below.
“We are delighted to be part of the National Conversation to help bridge the gap between climate science and action,” said Anthony Leiserowitz, Director of the Yale F&ES Project on Climate Change.
Across the country the National Conversation on Climate Action is putting a spotlight on the pioneering role of local governments in addressing global climate change. Local government officials have been driving our country’s response to this global crisis through innovation and inspired action.
“Earth Day Network is honored to be part of the National Conversation on Climate Action, which seeks to build local support for climate change solutions. So often, the key to resolving out national issues can be found at the local level, particularly when it comes to the environment,” said Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network. “We expect the lessons we learn from these conversations will resonate in the highest levels of our government, and with people from all walks of life.”
The 2009 National Conversation reflects the burgeoning demand from local governments for support on community outreach and engagement on climate initiatives. It will enable them to build broader, sustained citizen support for and involvement in local climate protection strategies.
“Climate change affects everyone – all citizens must have the opportunity for open, informed dialogue with each other and the ability to work with decision-makers to take actions in their communities. AmericaSpeaks is excited to work with the Spotlight Conversation sites to produce results-oriented town meetings,” said Carolyn Lukensmeyer, President of AmericaSpeaks.
