Resources
Introduction
As concern about climate change has grown, momentum for taking action at a local level has been building as well. Here in Virginia a number of communities have committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and some have made significant progress. Often, this is due to citiznes concerned about global warming organizing at the local level and forming grassroots organizations focused on encouraging local governments and communities to reduce emissions through smarter energy use.
On this page we feature some of the communities and organizations that are making a difference here in the Commonwealth:
Who's Cool?
On our Who's Cool? page you can find descriptions of and links to communities and organizations that are leading the way in reducing emissions in Virginia. These organizations are excellent resources as they provide access to tools and documentation that can be utilized quickly and effectively to measure, reduce, and monitor GHG emissions (without reinventing the wheel).
ICLEI Milestones
Among organizations and businesses that work with local governments to reduce municipal and community GHG emissions, ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA is the most successful with over 500 local U.S. member governments committed to climate protection and sustainability. HR3C encourages the local governments of Hampton Roads to adopt these ICLEI Milestones.
Activist Milestones
The Sierra Club's Cool Cities campaign is a program designed to help citizens at the local level organize and bring about GHG reductions by effectively engaging their government and community leaders. The Cool Cities web site contains a wealth of information and tools that can help anyone concerned about climate change become educated and effective communicators. HR3C continues to utilize the Activist Milestones template to become a more effective regional climate protection organization.