Environmental Sustainability: Workshops!

Good News speaks to Jennifer Wilson Program Director about the event. Ensuring environmental sustainability by 2015 is the seventh objective of the U.N. Millennium Development Goals, as agreed to by 192 countries and by leading development institutions. To meet this goal, governments must act now to reduce emissions and pollution, to protect natural resources, to adopt conservation principles, and to look for alternative clean energy sources. Local governments are taking an increasing initiative in developing policy to combat climate change, achieve carbon neutrality, and implement sustainable business and growth practices. Over 300 mayors have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement pledging to significantly reduce emission of greenhouse gases by 2012. Cities will realize this goal through a multi-pronged effort which includes energy and land conservation, alternative energy use, and the creation of healthy cities. Many proactive governments and corporations are finding that adopting long-term sustainable practices carries true benefits in terms of economic growth and job creation, lower energy bills, and quality of life improvements such as reduced congestion and green space preservation. The goal of CIFAL Atlanta’s Environmental Sustainability program is to provide a forum for governments and civil society leaders to share best practices for implementing ecologically sound policies that support and stimulate long-term economic growth. Workshops will examine sustainability in water management, green buildings for energy conservation and sustainable construction, landfill gas-to-energy projects for reduced methane emissions and alternative energy options, and transit / green space initiatives to improve quality of life and reduce congestion. Upcoming Workshops: Second Annual Mega-City Water Forum Planning for Sustainable Growth May 14-16, 2007 Atlanta, Georgia USA