While some campaigns against global warming are being fought from the bottom up, with residents trying to influence policy makers, one local effort is taking a top-down approach.
Reading's Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection believes municipal governments should lead by example, said its chairwoman, Michele Benson.
In 2006, Reading joined with communities worldwide through an international group called Local Governments for Sustainability. To date, Benson said, the town's advisory committee has completed a benchmark study of carbon dioxide emissions locally; written a climate action plan with 30 goals, including retrofitting municipal buildings to improve energy use; kicked off a walk-to-school program; and held fairs around Earth Day to get residents to reduce their carbon footprint.
CONNIE PAIGE
