KyotoUSA is an all volunteer, grassroots organization that encourages U.S. cities and their residents to reduce the climate altering greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) for which they are responsible.

Global warming is the most serious threat facing the planet today. Studies conducted by the world's most respected climate scientists demonstrate that we must act collectively and immediately to make significant reductions in the the amount of greenhouse gases that we are releasing into the atmosphere. Our failure to act now will result in catastrophic and irreversible consequences for all life on this planet.

Countries around the globe are attempting to address this problem. In an agreement known as the Kyoto Protocol, most industrialized countries have agreed to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, for years the United States steadfastly refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Even now in 2010, with an administration that claims to understand the crisis we are facing, the federal government is still unable to respond with the type of bold action that is needed to begin to reverse the decades of uncontrolled burning of fossil fuels and the continuing destruction of the planet's forests.

Without the active participation of the U.S., the world community's ability to slow the heating of the atmosphere is unlikely. The U.S. alone produces 25% of the world's greenhouse gases. Currently, China and India are developing quickly are are modeling much of their development on the unrestricted consumption of fossil fuels. Without a strong and demonstratable commitment by the US to reduce its carbon emissions, it is unlikely that China and India will act on their own.

While the U.S. government struggles with a political response to the need to reduce GHGs, a growing number of States are forming regional alliances that will establish limits on greenhouse gas emissions.

Cities, too, are leading the way in the effort to address global warming. Local efforts, often driven by citizen advocacy, are encouraging people, businesses (large and small), schools, religious instituions and local governments throughout the U.S. to look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Thanks to the efforts of ICLEI's Local Governments for Sustainability, more than 600 U.S. cities have measured their greenhouse gas emissions, are implementing policies to reduce them, and are realizing significant financial benefits to city coffers in the process.

With the support of KyotoUSA, Berkeley officially endorsed the Kyoto Protocol in January 2005. Subsequently, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels successfully petitioned the US Conference of Mayors to endorse his "Climate Protection Agreement" (CPA), a statement that embraces the emissions reductions targets outlined in the Kyoto Protocol. As of July 2010, nearly 1,100 U.S. mayors have signed the CPA. Americans - often at the grassroots - are takng action to achieve a carbon-reduced existence as we begin to appreciate the scope and seriousness of the problem we are facing. KyotoUSA urges all U.S. cities large and small, governmental and non-governmental institutions, businesses, and individuals to undertake concrete actions now to address global warming.

See our "Tools for Climate Activists" page to learn how you can help your municipality join the ranks of other U.S. cities in taking action to address global climate change.