Communities Nationwide Drive Climate, Energy, Economic Solutions This Earth Day as...

Communities Nationwide Drive Climate, Energy, Economic Solutions This Earth
Day as Part of the 'National Conversation on Climate Action'

Local Governments Host Unique Events to Connect Neighbors, Businesses,
Universities, and Civic Leaders to Drive Climate Change Solutions

WASHINGTON, April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This Earth Day dozens of local
governments across the country are taking the old adage "Think Globally, Act
Locally" to a new level by participating in the National Conversation on
Climate Action. They will bring together thousands of people in communities
across the country -- from Sumter, South Carolina, to Los Angeles, California
-- to drive local level solutions to global climate change in unique,
interactive events designed to inform and inspire action. At a time when
headlines are dominated by reports of the struggling economy, job losses,
energy concerns and climate change, there is a critical need for communities
to be active and engaged on these issues.

More information about this unprecedented initiative:
www.climateconversation.org.

Among the communities participating in the National Conversation, the
following were selected as Spotlight Conversations as their challenges,
opportunities and commitment to solutions merit special attention: Greenburgh,
New York; Hennepin County, Minnesota; Houston, Texas; Jackson, Wyoming;
Lexington, Kentucky (Fayette County); Los Angeles County, California; Sarasota
County, Florida; Sumter, South Carolina; and Tucson, Arizona.

Read about the Los Angeles County, Tucson and Sumter events and other
highlights on the Local Action Blog:
http://www.icleiusa.org/blog/archive/2009/04/13/la-county-links-earth-day-and-climate-policy

The National Conversation is lead by ICLEI-Local Governments for
Sustainability, the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Earth Day
Network and AmericaSpeaks. It is supported by the American Planning
Association, National League of Cities, Sierra Club, the US Green Building
Council and many other prominent organizations.

Across the country the National Conversation on Climate Action is putting a
spotlight on the pioneering role of local governments in addressing global
climate change and emphasizing the importance for every individual and every
community to take action locally.

"Earth Day 2009 arrives at a unique moment in history, and it demands an
equally new, bold approach. We can create green jobs, boost the economy, drive
clean energy solutions and fight global warming together, but it starts with a
conversation," said Michelle Wyman, Executive Director of ICLEI USA.

"We are delighted to be part of the National Conversation to help bridge the
gap between climate science and action," said Anthony Leiserowitz, Director of
the Yale F&ES Project on Climate Change.

"Earth Day Network is honored to be part of the National Conversation on
Climate Action, which seeks to build local support for climate change
solutions. So often, the key to resolving out national issues can be found at
the local level, particularly when it comes to the environment," said Kathleen
Rogers, President of Earth Day Network.

"Climate change affects everyone -- all citizens must have the opportunity for
open, informed dialogue with each other and the ability to work with
decision-makers to take actions in their communities," said Carolyn
Lukensmeyer, President of AmericaSpeaks.

CONTACT: Annie Strickler
510-844-0699 x328,
annie.strickler@iclei.org

SOURCE ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability

Annie Strickler of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, +1-510-844-0699
x328, annie.strickler@iclei.org