Like many of you, I realize there are many ways to get involved in creating a better future for our city. But when it comes to the topic of global warming and climate change and what can we do about it in our homes, businesses, schools, and city government … the starting point is basically about getting educated, assessing what we are already doing well, and then planning for a future that takes us to the next level of awareness and performance.

It’s official: Just last week, the United Nations (UN) panel which consists of the most authoritative scientists on the subject of global warming released their report ‘Climate Change 2007’ in Paris, France. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which includes 2,500 scientific expert reviewers from 130 countries concludes that global warming is 90 percent likely caused from humans.

Following that announcement, the growing momentum for U.S. action, after many years of denial and inaction, was notable. Corporate moguls, policy experts, and U.S. Senators spoke in Washington with one voice about global warming … telling a world forum that the U.S. MUST take a lead role in cutting greenhouse gases if it wants to encourage China and India to do the same. 

At this Capitol Hill meeting, Republican Senator John McCain put it bluntly.  “The debate is over, my friends.  Now the question is what do we do?  Do we act, do we care enough about the young people of the next generation to act seriously and meaningfully, or are we going to just continue to debate and discuss?” 

McCain went on to say that reduction of global emissions was a national security issue, and that voluntary efforts will not change the status quo.  He and Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman are pushing legislation to set limits on emissions, and allow those that exceed to trade with others that are under the limit, a plan known as “cap and trade.”  In fact, at Sunday’s gathering at the Grand River Center, Senator John Edwards also spoke to the benefits of this “cap and trade” dialogue.

Global warming and its solutions are non partisan, so it is significant that this dialogue has finally begun to cross party lines. We are pushing forward in our cities across America to lead toward a sensible national policy. 

What You Can Do!
You release greenhouse gases as a result of using energy to drive, using electricity to light and heat your home, and through other activities that support our quality of life like growing food, raising livestock and throwing away garbage. Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced through simple measures like changing light bulbs and properly inflating your tires. Following are easy steps you can take to not only reduce your greenhouse gas emissions but also reduce air pollution, increase the nation's energy independence and save money!!

Actions You Can Take at Home:

1.    Change 5 lights
Change a light, and you help change the world. Replace your 5 most frequently used light fixtures with bulbs that have the ENERGY STAR label and you will help the environment while saving money on energy bills. If every household in the U.S. took this one simple action we would prevent more than 1 trillion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

2.    Look for ENERGY STAR labeled products
When buying new products, such as appliances for your home, get the features and performance you want AND help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Look for ENERGY STAR-qualified products in more than 40 product categories, including lighting, home electronics, heating and cooling equipment and appliances.

3.    Heat and cool smartly
Simple steps like cleaning air filters regularly and having your heating and cooling equipment tuned annually by a licensed contractor can save energy and increase comfort at home, and at the same time reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When it's time to replace your old equipment, choose a high-efficiency model, and make sure it is properly sized and installed.

4.    Seal up your home with better insulation and duct-work
Close up any visible cracks and gaps in your house, install adequate insulation, check that ducts are sealed and choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows when replacing old windows. Not sure where the cracks and gaps are? A home energy auditor can also help to identify areas with poor insulation and evaluate the energy efficiency of your home. By taking these steps, you can eliminate drafts, keep your home more comfortable year-round, save energy that would otherwise be wasted, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

5.    Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
If there is a recycling program in your community, recycle your newspapers, beverage containers, paper and other goods. Use products in containers that can be recycled and items that can be repaired or reused. In addition, support recycling markets by buying products made from recycled materials. Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your home helps conserve energy and reduces pollution and greenhouse gases from resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal.

6.    Be green in your yard
Use a push mower, which, unlike a gas or electric mower, consumes no fossil fuels and emits no greenhouse gases. If you do use a power mower, make sure it is a mulching mower to reduce grass clippings. Composting your food and yard waste reduces the amount of garbage that you send to landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. See EPA’s GreenScapes program for tips on how to improve your lawn or garden while also benefiting the environment. Smart Landscaping can save energy, save you money and reduce your household’s greenhouse gas emissions.

7.    Use water efficiently
Everyone can save water through simple actions. Municipal water systems require a lot of energy to purify and distribute water to households, and saving water, especially hot water, can lower greenhouse gas emissions. Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth. Do not use your toilet as a waste basket for toiletry items - water is wasted with each flush. And did you know a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day? Repair all toilet and faucet leaks right away. See the EPA's WaterSense site for more water saving tips.

8.    Spread the Word
Tell family and friends that energy efficiency is good for their homes and good for the environment because it lowers greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Tell five people and together we can help our homes help us all.

Actions You Can Take on the Road:

1.    Drive smart
Many factors affect the fuel economy of your car. To improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, go easy on the brakes and gas pedal, avoid hard accelerations, reduce time spent idling and unload unnecessary items in your trunk to reduce weight. If you have a removable roof rack and you are not using it, take it off to improve your fuel economy by as much as 5 percent. Use overdrive and cruise control on your car if you have those features. For more tips to improve your gas mileage, visit the Fuel Economy Guide Web site.

2.    Tune your ride
A well-maintained car is more fuel-efficient, produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions and is more reliable and safer! Keep your car well tuned, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and use the recommended grade of motor oil. More details, including potential savings from these actions, are available on the Fuel Economy Guide Web site.

3.    Check your tires
Check your tire pressure regularly. Under-inflation increases tire wear, reduces your fuel economy by up to 3 percent and leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions. If you don’t know the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, you can find it listed on the door to the glove compartment or on the driver's-side door pillar. More details on the Fuel Economy Guide Web site.

4.    Give your car a break
Use public transportation, carpool or walk or bike whenever possible to avoid using your car. Leaving your car at home just two days a week will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,590 pounds per year. The American Public Transportation Association’s Public Transportation Web site provides links to information about public transportation in your state.

5.    Combine your trips
When running errands, combine trips. Several short trips taken while your car’s engine is cold can use twice as much fuel and produce twice the amount of greenhouse gas emissions as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. More information and ideas are available on the Fuel Economy Guide Web site.

6.    Telecommute
Check out the Best Workplaces for Commuters Web site to learn about commuting choices that can benefit the environment, reduce the stress of commuting, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money. Also consider options to work from home via phone or over the Internet instead of holding face-to-face meetings that involve travel.