SierraScape June - July 2006
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by Henry Robertson

Some problems are too dauntingly big for one person to solve, yet their solution depends on the actions of every one of us. Global warming and our nation's addiction to oil are two such problems.

Here at Eastern Missouri Group we're thinking globally and acting locally.

The Sierra Club's Cool Cities campaign counters our national government's inaction on global warming by putting grassroots pressure on local governments. EMG volunteers, led by global warming and energy staffer Jill Miller, have made the effort in the St. Louis area one of the most successful in the country.

Phase I is getting our mayors to sign the US Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement, pledging to reduce their cities' greenhouse gas emissions. The number of local mayors who have signed is slowly but steadily rising and now represents seven municipalities: Maplewood, University City, St. Louis City, Clayton, Florissant, Sunset Hills and Kirkwood.

Phase II will be getting them to design and carry out climate action plans to make their towns cleaner, leaner and greener, saving money in the process. This phase is already underway in some of these towns.

Here's something else to look forward to-Missouri's first statewide renewable energy fair, the Ozark Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Expo, scheduled for July 29-30 in Hermann. The Sierra Club is a sponsor and will have a presence there.

So fire up your coal-powered computer and go to ozarkre.org, where you can check it out, volunteer your help or make a donation.

To get involved, contact me (see the energy page) and join the EMG Energy Committee.