More than symbolism at stake when cities tackle climate change

America's mayors are not waiting for the federal government's lead to help solve the threat of global warming — they are doing something about it right now. This week, Seattle will host the largest-ever meeting of American mayors devoted solely to climate protection. Approximately 120 of our nation's mayors are coming to talk about how cities can and must take the lead in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

The strength of this gathering shows the depth of commitment to this issue. Internationally recognized climate leaders, such as former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and many others will be at the summit to help shape our next steps.

Why should cities care about climate change? Because today, for the first time in history, more than half of the world's population lives in cities. As engines of the world's economy, cities are responsible for two-thirds of the greenhouse-gas emissions worldwide.

Some might say cities are the problem. I say cities are the solution. Mayors will grapple with this question: How can we create cities that are compelling places to live, work and raise families while shaping growth over the next 20 years? America's ability to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions will be determined by how well we build affordable housing, provide more and better transportation choices, reduce energy use, keep our homes and streets safe, and improve schools.

America's mayors are taking this responsibility seriously. In 2005, I challenged my colleagues to help address this problem. Since then, 709 mayors have joined with Seattle by signing an agreement calling for cities to meet or beat the Kyoto Treaty targets. Together, we represent all 50 states and 75 million Americans. Thanks to a nationwide determination to make a difference, one city's symbolic act has become an engine for real change.

And, that's not all. This year, the U.S. Conference of Mayors endorsed an 80-percent reduction of greenhouse gases by 2050. The message to lawmakers is clear: Cities are taking action, and we want the federal government to join us.

While Seattle does not stand alone in this effort, we are leading in several important areas. Our work to fight global warming spans decades. A new inventory of Seattle's greenhouse-gas emissions shows we are meeting our Kyoto Treaty targets — reducing climate pollution to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. As of 2005, the benchmark year of the study, Seattle produced 8 percent less carbon dioxide and other gases than we did 15 years ago.

The community's conservation efforts made a big difference. Energy use by homes, businesses and industries actually decreased since 1990. Climate-friendly policies at City Light, the nation's first carbon-neutral utility, further shrank the city's carbon footprint.

Meeting the Kyoto targets is just the beginning. Seattle is poised for remarkable changes in how we live, work and travel. In a few weeks, a new South Lake Union streetcar will link downtown with hundreds of new jobs and homes in the Cascade neighborhood. By 2009, light rail will take thousands of people off the road. With the city's bicycle master plan, bicyclists will enjoy miles of new lanes and safety improvements. More than 100 "green buildings" are already in development around Seattle.

City government is prepared to do much more but we can't get there alone. Each one of us needs to do our part. We can reach meaningful reductions of greenhouse gases only by changing our habits. Last month I launched Seattle Climate Action Now, a grassroots effort to help Seattleites reduce global-warming pollution at home, on the road and in their neighborhoods. Supported by city government, community groups, nonprofit organizations and businesses, this effort (www.seattlecan.org) will help people make smart choices to reduce the threat of climate change.

The good news is this: Because climate pollution is a human-caused problem, humans can solve it. Together we can inspire people to take action while building a community committed to leaving our city and our world a better place for our children and their children.