PARIS — Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, in Paris this week with thousands of other leaders concerned about climate change, says cities can play a significant role in addressing global warming.
Atlanta already has enacted significant sustainability measures, he notes, including requiring large-scale commercial property owners to track energy and water usage; pledging to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020; adding electric vehicles to its city fleet; and pursuing a solar energy program for municipal buildings.
While Reed isn’t part of negotiations held at the official United Nations summit, he traveled to France to participate in gatherings of mayors and regional leaders being held in tandem with the international talks.
Friday's Climate Summit for Local Leaders, led by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and U.N. Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change Michael Bloomberg, highlighted what city leaders can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption.
The message is especially meaningful in states like Georgia, which still lacks agreement by top officials on the nature and threat of global warming.
To hear what Reed says city and state leaders can do on issues related to climate change, visit myAJC.com.
» ONLY ON MYAJC: The AJC's Katie Leslie and Gracie Bonds Staples share their own Paris experiences
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