Chandler Promoting Sustainable, Resilient Cities
Sustainable cities are one key to a sustainable world. Eco-entrepreneur Gary Chandler is leading the development of a new program that will promote efficiency and resiliency in cities and communities around the world.
Chandler says that a sustainable future requires more sustainable, efficient and resilient cities. To help facilitate solutions, Chandler’s companies, Crossbow Communications and Earth News, are launching the Greener Cities program–a multidimensional online portal and a powerful awards program for cities and communities around the world.
Cities around the globe are home to approximately 50 percent of the world’s population and they generate 80 percent of our planet’s greenhouse gases. As severe weather seems to be more frequent and more extreme, many communities are bracing for the increasing threats of fires, droughts, floods, severe weather, population displacement, and others. Community leaders and citizens everywhere must be informed, motivated and empowered to be part of the solution.
“Cities must take responsibility for our contributions to global climate change,” says former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Unfortunately, few local communities have the ability to engage their citizens to develop a common vision around this issue. Some need guidance on a collaborative process to achieve consensus. Others need help outlining the range of possibilities that they can consider to cut pollution, save energy, conserve water and promote health and sustainability. Many communities already are in contingency mode and need help mitigating and weathering the impacts of climate change on their homes and businesses. Resiliency is becoming the new buzzword.
Many community leaders need coaching to bring all stakeholder groups to the table to discuss opportunities, threats, resources, and priorities. As communities begin planning, they need comprehensive guidance regarding the full range of possible actions to consider in their plans. Many communities are limiting their sustainability visions to the energy efficiency of city buildings and vehicle fleets. They need to learn from other cities that have embraced a broader spectrum of possible actions such as investments, tax policies, water use, tree management, open space, expanded recycling efforts, and many others.
“Recognition programs can help expedite action and encourage cities around the world to learn from each other,” said Gary Chandler, president of Crossbow. “This will be the most powerful awards program in the world for sustainable cities.”
Background: For more information about sustainable and resilient cities, please visit http://greenercities.org/sustainable-cities-best-practices/ Please submit your best practices, case studies, and other resources that can help communities and businesses around the world learn from your experiences.
