Local

Greenhouse gas emissions from localities depend on characteristics such as the local energy mix, the availability of public transportation, and primary industries can significantly affect these emissions. As with individual contributions, tools to estimate local emissions are usually associated with plans to reduce them. The links below will help local leaders with both efforts.

• Individual Emissions Page — Contains several tools to estimate emissions from individuals. With an understanding of typical individuals in your community, you can develop an aggregate emissions estimate.

• Smart Savings: Climate Solutions for Cities — Identifies twenty actions that local officials can take to save money, save energy, clean the air, reduce congestion, curb sprawl, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Looking at what other localities are doing in this area may give you an idea of what some of the larger sources of emissions are in your community.

• A Course of Action for State and Local Governments — Provides information about how states and local governments can estimate emissions and develop plans to reduce their contributions to climate change.

• Guidance on Creating an Emissions Inventory — Includes detailed information about how to develop an emissions inventory.

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Software — The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives has developed software to help local governments analyze emissions, develop action plans for reductions, and monitor progress. The software also estimates financial savings and reductions in other pollutants. The Cities for Climate Protection Campaign site has more information about climate change targeted to local governments.