By Kevin McCarty
July 14, 2008

Toronto Mayor David Miller, a global city leader on climate protection, praised mayors in the U.S. and throughout the world for their many innovations on climate protection. "Your work reinforces my belief that when national governments fail to lead, cities must lead. And, not only must they lead, they are leading," Miller said.

"In Toronto, we try to learn from these examples. We know that simple actions can make a real difference," he said. Encouraging mayors to bundle many activities together, he explained that little things can make a real difference.

Miller highlighted selected initiatives and programs that have helped lower the carbon footprint of his city’s operations. "Through these actions, we have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 1990 levels."

In discussing climate challenges placed before U.S. mayors, Miller draws upon a substantial record in curbing Toronto’s emissions and his leadership role on behalf of the world’s largest cities, as Chair of the C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group.

"There is one simple truth – by doing the right thing for the environment, we can save money and make our cities a better place to live," he said.

"The truth of this comes from the mayors in this room, and cities around the world are acting right now. These actions are beginning to make a difference, not just with climate change but in creating good clean jobs," Miller concluded.