Waiting on the U.S.? Why Wait?

UN Climate chief Mr. Yvo de Boer, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has told delegates that any agreement in Bali would not make sense without the participation of the U.S. However, in the absence of U.S. presidential leadership, mayors across America are beginning to take action on their own, on climate change.

A major power shift is taking place in America. It’s happening under the radar. This new leadership includes mayors who have signed the Kyoto Protocol, and 728 mayors who have signed the USMayors.org Climate Protection Agreement. Climate change is both a global and a local issue and these mayors realize that Homeland Security is really Home Town security.

Currently, plans are underway to merge the purchasing power of the 728 mayors, representing 25% of the U.S. population, with new technology businesses. These businesses can supply them with renewable energy and enegy conservation products and services. The Clinton Global Initiative is brokering the deal. How many coal-fired power plants could this single, collective purchasing action eliminate … in terms of reduced energy demand?

Now think worldwide. What if representatives of the nearly 200 nations now taking part in the UNFCCC in Bali agreed to create a similar global purchasing co-op? Money and power would shift overnight, just like it did in Australia.