A Time of Great Challenge is also a Time for Great Opportunity

Due to human activities, our atmosphere contains 32 percent more carbon dioxide;
Mitigation – taking strong action to reduce emissions – must be viewed as an investment;
Local governments have a key role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by increasing energy efficiency and reducing fossil fuel use;
Local government can lead by example by taking specific actions to transform itself into a model of sustainable practices that can result in cost savings and increased employment, and enhance environmental quality and community well-being;
A piecemeal application of the objectives of sustainability will make it much more difficult to attain. Need a whole system approach to sustainability including the three types of community capital: economic, social and natural.