Greg Nickels Mayor of Seattle

Although the U.S. has less than 5% of the world's population, it generates 25% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. These statistics are not a 'good look' and are commonly bandied about. Despite this, the Bush administration has to date remained aloof from the Kyoto Protocol agreement that has been signed by almost the entire planet. The world looks on.

Things are not all doom and gloom, however. While many are quietly embarrassed, and others are living in denial, some are rolling up their sleeves and getting things done. There is a lot happening that should be noticed and encouraged.

As the Kyoto Protocol went into effect in February 2005, there were many in U.S. politics that, despite the federal ruling, didn't want to be left out. Some decided not to be! One mayor, Greg Nickels of Seattle, on that very date, challenged mayors all across the country to join him in doing something about the U.S.'s disproportionate level of energy consumption. Within a few weeks ten mayors, representing 3 million citizens, made a joint invitation (200kb PDF) to a further 400 mayors around the nation.

To date, 339 mayors representing over 53.7 million Americans have accepted the challenge, and signed the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement (15kb PDF), which commits them to meeting or exceeding the obligations they would have if they fell under the jurisdiction of the Kyoto Protocol. These mayors seek to lead by example, by reducing energy consumption within their own local government infrastructure, and promoting clean technology initiatives in their cities. You can see a list of mayors involved here. As the old maxim goes - many streams make a great river. I had mentioned in a previous post the work of Rocky Anderson, Mayor of Salt Lake City. The energy-saving results from some simple and obvious changes within one just one city can be enormous.

Befitting its global context, this movement is totally bipartisan. In the words of William Shakespeare - "One Touch of nature makes the whole world kin."

I should add a touch of realism with this post. There is always the possibility that mayors will sign on in the heat of the moment and then fail to follow through on their pledge, as the document is not legally binding. But, having signed the agreement it naturally follows that everyone will be watching for activity from the signee! Let's encourage them in whatever way we can.

If you have case studies of the work of individual mayors, let us know!