Background

When we consider the enormity of the problem that global warming presents, it would be easy to turn away and leave it to others to confront. It's a very human response, especially when we feel so distant from the people and institutions from whom we expect to see strong leadership.

When KyotoUSA looked at what was being done to reduce global warming gases, we found that far more was being accomplished than we had imagined. Most industrialized nations on the planet, growing numbers of heavy energy using industries, religious organizations, cities, and other institutions, as well as individuals, are committing themselves and their resources to solving this crisis while there is still time.

We wish that our own government would do more - the US endorsed, then withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol, isolating us from much of the rest of the world. But we have seen many of our State and local government bodies, universities, utilities, industries, and citizens make commitments to reduce global warming that lead us to believe that local initiatives can both raise public awareness about global climate change and actually lead to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Here's how:

ACT NOW

Make the Pledge - Your City

Encourage your town or city to endorse the Kyoto Protocol and ask it to adopt measures that will cut local greenhouse gas production. You will find:

• Background material on the Kyoto Protocol
• Sample Resolution that can be adapted for your city
• ICLEI-US Cities for Climate Protection Campaign
• Toolkit for Cities

Make the Pledge - Personal

Make a personal endorsement of the Kyoto Protocol and promise to reduce your production of global warming gases. We have provided some ideas about what you can do to make your commitment result in minimizing your contribution to the problem. We'll also let our elected officials in Washington DC know that Americans across the country are willing to join with people from around the world in protecting our planet, its people, and our natural environment for themselves, their children, and generations to come.