U.S. Cities Get Serious About Sustainability

In a time of global climate change, thousands of cities across the United States are taking action to become more sustainable by forging alliances, collaborating on innovative projects, and developing programs to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In spite of significant challenges, such as decreased revenues, reduced organizational capacity, or lack of a formalized long-term sustainability vision, U.S. cities in many cases are leading the charge in the governmental arena. Due to a city's inherent ability to influence people's actions through leading by example, city sustainability efforts are already having a substantial impact in the areas of natural resource conservation and social equity. This article examines how a number of cities in the San Francisco Bay Area are heeding the call to action by reducing their carbon footprints, conserving precious natural resources, and creating more livable, sustainable cities for current and future generations to enjoy.