Green Innovation by Cities: Examples for Other Levels of Government

Here is a an article by David Suzuki from the David Suzuki Foundation's , findingsolutions, Summer 2007, back page about how cities, by their innovation and creativity in dealing with global warming issues, are setting an example of the other levels of government. I couldn't agree with him more.

lastword Dr. David Suzuki

MUNICIPAL MAKEOVER
Climate change already threatens the infrastructure of Canada's cities and our health. But we can do something about it.

Cities are amazing things. Today, more than 80 per cent of Canadians live in them. And as much as three-quarters of Canada's carbon emissions are emitted within municipal boundaries. Our cities are our homes, but they are also huge consumers of energy. That's why the small changes we make in our cities have a tremendous effect on the rest of the country.

Climate change already threatens the infrastructure of Canada's cities and our health. But we can do something about it. Just as we renovate our homes and maintain them, we need to do the same with our cities if we're going to deal with global warming.

It's time for us to apply our ingenuity and creativity to enhancing our cities. I'm proud to report that we don't have to go far to see revolutionary ideas in action.

Toronto's Atmospheric Fund provides grants and loans to projects that combat global climate change and improve air quality. Calgary's public transit C-train is powered by wind energy. And in Vancouver, despite an increase of 50,000 new residents in the past decade, transit trips have increased by 50 per cent.

Small changes in our cities have big effects. Municipal bylaws are just one example. Bylaws and local regulations address garbage disposal, lighting, road systems, planning and transit availability. Action in these areas educates and informs communities, helops address environmental problems and helps build sustainable neighbourhoods.

Cities can also make a huge difference through smarter purchasing decisions. For example, replacing municipal light-duty cars and pickups with hybrid-electric vehicles saves taxpayers' money and reduces air pollution.

On a larger scale, we also need to rethink our approach to urban planning. Sprawl not only drains our precious free time and expands our waistlines, but requires the drivers spend more time in their cars. Many cities are establishing more bike lanes, which are safer than high-speed expressways. And improved transit options make it convenient for commuters to leave their cars a[t] home.

The ideas are all here. And so is the public will. We need to develop our own visions and actions, work with our residents, and cooperate with other levels of government to make our cities more livable and sustainable, and protect our communities and our health.

Our cities are hotbeds of creativity and innovation, of imagination and vision. Citizens, city councilors, architects and urban planners are all working to make their communities better places to live. And they are role models to the other levels of government.