This blog was written by Lora Lucero of the League's Climate Action Group

A concerted global effort is needed to fight climate change, yet global commitments to reduce carbon emissions are inadequate and slow. Climate scientists warn that our goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels requires that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions peak by 2025 and then drop. Yet current policies and promises get us only to just less than three degrees Celsius by 2100.

Local, regional, and state efforts are needed to step up the pace. Local governments have an important responsibility to move our communities in the right direction. And that requires a plan.

How Local Governments Can Cut Emissions

The League of Women Voters Climate Interest Group conducted an exhaustive study of dozens of climate action plans from cities and counties throughout the country. We listened to experts in the fields of transportation, planning, and energy efficiency to identify the most effective actions and processes needed in a plan to reduce emissions.

The result of the team’s work is summarized in the graphic below, which features ten key actions. The most important one is to move away from fossil fuels and go electric wherever possible. Also critical is reducing our dependence on personal vehicles.

Perhaps even more important than the actions are the processes that will hold us accountable. Key among these is setting measurable goals and holding accountable those responsible for them. All plans will need specific next steps and funding. And plans must be integrated into the local government’s priorities to ensure successful implementation.

As everyday citizens, we can get involved in fighting climate change at the local level.

We encourage you to promote the above actions and processes when engaging with your local government around climate action planning and any decisions that affect greenhouse gas emissions. Make your voice heard on energy policy by writing to your representatives or sharing the above graphic with your communities.

A strong democracy requires informed climate action – and the time to act is now.