Climate in the Mix

On January 15^th, 2007,The City of Traverse City, joined 393 other cities in an effort to reduce human impacts on the environment.  The City Commission unanimously adopted the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement and will strive to meet the Kyoto Protocol targets for our community. 

 

In adopting the agreement, the City, pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 7% less than 1990 levels, by 2012.  To reach this goal, the City plans to inventory greenhouse gas emissions and develop an action plan, adopt smart-growth land use policies, promote alternative transportation, increase the use of renewable energy, practice energy efficiency, increase fuel efficiency of fleet vehicles, increase recycling, and help educate the public about global warming issues. 

 

In an effort to expand our collective understanding of climate change and the human footprint, a number of local citizens and organization have stepped forward.  Some of these citizens were interviewed by Julie Hay of the Michigan Land Use Institute who conducted a series of interviews after the commission's adoption of the agreement on Monday the 15^th of January.

 

Click on the play buttons below to listen to the interviews. 

Tom Karas, the author of the Green Building article in this issue, and member of the Sierra Club, who initiated the signing of the agreement in October of 2006.

Donna Hornberger, a resident of Old Mission Peninsula, who shares why she supports the agreement.

Dean Sheldon, a Traverse City resident, who adds a few comments about why he attended the city commission meeting to support the adoption of the resolution.

What are your thoughts? Do you think the City Commission should have adopted the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement? Add your comments below!