National Conversation on Climate Action
 
 
 
 
Frequently Asked Questions
On October 4th, mayors and other local government leaders across the U.S. will convene meetings in their communities to discuss the science and what is needed to solve global warming as part of the first annual National Conversation on Climate Action.

These events — a town hall meeting, roundtable discussion, you decide! — will happen on the same day and will be led by mayors and other local leaders. The goal is to highlight and catalyze local efforts to address global warming, build local awareness and facilitate community engagement.

It is part of an effort to spark a broad national discussion starting at the local level on the challenges and solutions associated with global warming. This fall will also play host to a debate in Congress over federal climate legislation as well as a gathering of international leaders hosted by President Bush. But largely missing from those forums are the voices of the hundreds of local leaders who have responded to the pleas of millions of Americans demanding action on the climate front. By taking action, they have galvanized the local climate protection movement. Indeed, local governments are uniquely positioned to significantly reduce global warming pollution. They have been spearheading the effort to implement innovative strategies to reduce pollution while saving energy and money and fostering healthier, more livable communities.

The National Conversation on Climate Action is an opportunity to inform and
inspire climate solutions in your community.

Hosting a National Conversation on Climate Action event in your city presents an important opportunity to:
  • Build awareness and support for local action on climate change in your community;
  • Engage new allies in your ongoing efforts to reduce global warming pollution;
  • Draw media attention to the mayors and local leaders tackling this global issue;
  • Underscore the need for complementary action by the State and Federal governments.

The sponsors will provide participating local governments with a variety of resource to support and publicize the local Conversation events, including:

  • Central web resource and individual event web pages;
  • Sample event agendas;
  • Fact sheets and other background materials;
  • Press outreach materials and assistance;
  • Network of mayors and local governments advancing climate protection.




What is the National Conversation on Climate Action?
Local dialogues convened and organized by local government leaders taking place in cities across the United States that will address the causes and potential impacts of global warming.  The National Conversation on Climate Action is part of an effort to spark a broad national discussion at the local level about how each city, town, and county can most effectively be a part of the solution. The events will be designed to inform and inspire local climate action throughout the participating communities.

Where is it?
This is not a single event in a single location. Rather, the National Conversation on Climate Action is a set of decentralized events taking place in participating cities across the country on the same day. 

When is it?
October 4th, 2007. The events can be held any time during the day or evening of October 4th.

Why October 4th?
Holding events in many communities on the same day provides an opportunity for cities to connect their local efforts to a national movement and support the development of a large-scale, active network dedicated to climate solutions. It will also bring media attention to the crucial role that local governments and officials are playing in the effort to reduce global warming pollution.

Who will be participating?
City, town, and county governments across the United States interested in taking action to stop global warming will be participating. Events are designed to engage diverse stakeholders within the community (e.g., business, environment, faith groups, etc.) and seek to include groups in the Conversation that may not have traditionally been a part of environmental, climate, and energy-related initiatives.

What does it mean to participate?
Participating governments will, at a minimum, hold a town hall or community-wide discussion to talk about the causes, impacts, and, most importantly, community-based solutions to the problem of global warming. Cities are also encouraged to use this meeting as an opportunity to increase public understanding of climate change by hosting public lectures by local climate experts and/or working with their local science center to promote educational activities on global warming.

Who is organizing the events?
Mayors, city staff, and other local government leaders are organizing National Conversation events in their communities. They will determine the format and agenda that best suits their communities’ needs.

Who is sponsoring the event?
The National Conversation on Climate Action’s primary sponsors are:

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability U.S.A., Inc.
ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is an international membership association of local governments dedicated to advancing sustainable development and climate solutions through local action.
http://www.iclei.org/usa

Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies
Our mission is to train leaders and to create new knowledge that will sustain and restore the health of the biosphere and the well-being of its people.
http://environment.yale.edu/

The Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC)
An organization of science centers and museums dedicated to furthering the public understanding of science among increasingly diverse audiences.
http://www.astc.org/

What support will the event sponsors provide?
Participating cities will be provided with a wealth of supporting materials via a central website, including:

  • Fact sheets on the science and economics of climate change
  • Information about regional impacts of global warming
  • Sample meeting agendas
  • Sample policies and action steps
  • Stakeholder support materials
  • Promotional materials
  • Sample press packets
  • Peer networking opportunities with other participating communities and ICLEI members
  • Other resources including www.astc.org/iglo and www.coolmayors.org

What can my city gain by participating in the National Conversation on Climate Action?
An opportunity to:

  • Broaden and deepen local support for action on global warming.
  • Involve new constituencies in ongoing emissions reduction an adaptation efforts.
  • Garner media coverage.
  • Publicize existing efforts to address the climate issue.
  • Learn about the local and regional impacts and solutions to climate change.
  • Share innovations and best-practices with peer communities across the country.
  • Exhibit global leadership while improving quality of life within your own community.

Who do I contact to get involved?
To learn more and get involved, please contact Meleah Houseknecht, Project Coordinator at Yale at meleah.houseknecht@yale.edu or at (203) 432-8823