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Communities Nationwide Drive Climate, Energy, Economic Solutions This Earth Day as Part of the 'National Conversation on Climate Action'

Posted on: Monday, 20 April 2009, 17:53 CDT

Local Governments Host Unique Events to Connect Neighbors, Businesses, Universities, and Civic Leaders to Drive Climate Change Solutions

WASHINGTON, April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This Earth Day dozens of local governments across the country are taking the old adage "Think Globally, Act Locally" to a new level by participating in the National Conversation on Climate Action. They will bring together thousands of people in communities across the country -- from Sumter, South Carolina, to Los Angeles, California -- to drive local level solutions to global climate change in unique, interactive events designed to inform and inspire action. At a time when headlines are dominated by reports of the struggling economy, job losses, energy concerns and climate change, there is a critical need for communities to be active and engaged on these issues.

More information about this unprecedented initiative: www.climateconversation.org.

Among the communities participating in the National Conversation, the following were selected as Spotlight Conversations as their challenges, opportunities and commitment to solutions merit special attention: Greenburgh, New York; Hennepin County, Minnesota; Houston, Texas; Jackson, Wyoming; Lexington, Kentucky (Fayette County); Los Angeles County, California; Sarasota County, Florida; Sumter, South Carolina; and Tucson, Arizona.

Read about the Los Angeles County, Tucson and Sumter events and other highlights on the Local Action Blog: http://www.icleiusa.org/blog/archive/2009/04/13/la-county-links-earth-day-and-climate-policy

The National Conversation is lead by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Earth Day Network and AmericaSpeaks. It is supported by the American Planning Association, National League of Cities, Sierra Club, the US Green Building Council and many other prominent organizations.

Across the country the National Conversation on Climate Action is putting a spotlight on the pioneering role of local governments in addressing global climate change and emphasizing the importance for every individual and every community to take action locally.

"Earth Day 2009 arrives at a unique moment in history, and it demands an equally new, bold approach. We can create green jobs, boost the economy, drive clean energy solutions and fight global warming together, but it starts with a conversation," said Michelle Wyman, Executive Director of ICLEI USA.

"We are delighted to be part of the National Conversation to help bridge the gap between climate science and action," said Anthony Leiserowitz, Director of the Yale F&ES Project on Climate Change.

"Earth Day Network is honored to be part of the National Conversation on Climate Action, which seeks to build local support for climate change solutions. So often, the key to resolving out national issues can be found at the local level, particularly when it comes to the environment," said Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network.

"Climate change affects everyone -- all citizens must have the opportunity for open, informed dialogue with each other and the ability to work with decision-makers to take actions in their communities," said Carolyn Lukensmeyer, President of AmericaSpeaks.

CONTACT: Annie Strickler 510-844-0699 x328, annie.strickler@iclei.org

SOURCE ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability

Source: PR Newswire

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