At the North American Climate Summit in Chicago last December, more than 50 mayors from around the globe signed the Chicago Climate Charter, intended to guide cities toward reaching greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals similar to the Paris climate accord. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says each mayor will pursue a customized plan, noting, “We’re all going to get to the same destination in our own way.” President Trump’s intended exit from the Paris agreement has sparked an uproar from leaders worldwide, especially mayors in cities long committed to reducing emissions.

Dozens of cities are committed to 100 percent clean and renewable energy goals and pledged to promote clean transit through using zero-emissions buses. Emanuel believes, “Climate change can be solved by human action.” Cities’ actions now may well pay off in the long run.

This article appears in the June 2018 issue of Natural Awakenings.