Climate Solutions for Our Cities

Start now

Solving climate change will be one of humanity’s biggest achievements. At the moment there are financial and technical hurdles to the final stretch before the finish line. But from where we stand, at the beginning of the race, there is a long, clear road ahead of readily available solutions. Timelines demand we start now, with what we have.

Prepare for climate impacts

We need to be ready as extreme weather events become more common, and we will need to take steps to make our community more livable day-to-day as the climate changes.

Don’t leave behind the vulnerable

Our stakeholders include everyone who lives and works here. Complicated or expensive solutions for those who can least afford them will deny a sustainable future to us all.

Borrow and adapt from other cities

There are many communities across the world who have already started on this journey. Some close by, and others from around the world. They are freely sharing what their plans are, and would be happy to share what they’ve learned along the way. Let’s take the opportunity to learn from them what is working, and find out how we might replicate their successes here.

Better buildings, old and new

The buildings we live, work and play in account for 25% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Part of this is due to how we fuel the services we need such as heating, cooking, and hot water. The other part is the efficiency of the equipment we use and the insulation of our buildings. There are many things our cities can do to address both.

Transportation options and land use

Transportation is the other major climate impact that can be addressed at the city level. But this doesn’t mean mandating residents own electric vehicles. What it does mean is taking a closer look at how our built environment encourages so many of us to use our cars and trucks to get to so many of the services and activities we need.