Mayor Urges Residents to Take Small Steps to Reduce Global Warming

[Guest DC Government]

Mayor Williams today reminded District residents that with a few small changes around their home, and in their daily routine, they can help reduce carbon emissions and help reverse global warming. The Mayor noted that today’s release of the film “An Inconvenient Truth,” which documents the impact of global warming world-wide, marks a good opportunity for people to reexamine their behavior – especially in the Washington region which is regularly flagged for its poor air quality.

 

“The best time to act is now,” said Mayor Williams. “Global warming is one of the most dire threats we face. Everyone should understand that the impact of global warming is very real and has the potential to affect every one of us. Although we need action at the federal level, people can make changes in their community with a few simple steps, such as:

 

Replace a regular incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb. They use less than half the energy of traditional bulbs and last longer.

 

Move your thermostat down two degrees in the winter and up two degrees in the summer. The small change can save energy and money.

 

Clean or replace filters in your furnace and air conditioner. This helps appliances function more efficiently, saving money and reducing carbon dioxide.”

 

Mayor Williams, along with the mayors of Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Seattle, Dallas, Miami and Los Angeles, have signed onto an agreement pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously encouraging the White House to agree to participate in the international Kyoto treaty on air quality. More than 200 mayors have signed the document.

 

Mayor Williams has helped to promote bicycling, walking and other alternative means of commuting, has encouraged residents to use energy efficient appliances, has agreed to promote green roofs on new buildings, has worked to encourage the growth of the city’s tree canopy and created an incentive program for drivers of hybrids and other alternative fuel vehicles.