Hundreds of cities are proving local action matters when it comes to the environment 2016 was supposed to be the year when politicians finally addressed climate change. In an election where pretty much nothing went according to plan, it?s not surprising that other topics upstaged clean energy and ended up dominating our national discussion. Climate change only warranted a brief (yet infamous) mention during the televised debates, despite record-setting fall temperatures underlining its importance.
Despite the treaties, executive orders, and regulatory achievements of the Obama administration, environmentalists rightfully feel the government?s response is grossly inadequate to the challenges of climate change. It?s hard not to despair when most of the members of one major party deny the problem exists, a formula for gridlock and bipartisan inaction. But while it?s easy to feel despair over the scant federal response to environmental issues, it misses a true bright spot in environmental action: our cities.

Cities" Those congested, smog-filled, overcrowded seas of asphalt?that?s what will save our climate" Yes, according to numerous initiatives, international actions, and local plans that view urban areas as opportunities, not problems. Cities have their share of challenges?they?re home to half the world?s population and produce around 75 percent of the world?s GDP and greenhouse gas emissions?but they also have the population density and sustainable transp...