• Begin the Conversation: Apply today to become a leader in the 2009 National Conversation on Climate Action
  
• Jump into Action: Help pass the 30% Solution!
  
• Do Your Homework: Learn how solar schools can be made more affordable through innovative financing
  
• Learn From Others: NYC spins with wind, Seattle doubles down, and Kingston and Dedham, MA, flick off the lights
  

Shine a Light on Your Community During the 2009 National Conversation on Climate Action! 

Cities, towns, and counties across the United States are expected to host community-wide events as part of the National Conversation on Climate Action on Earth Day 2009 (April 22). But only a handful of those will be selected as “Spotlight Conversations,” to receive additional support for event planning and promotion. Learn more and submit your proposal today to become a Spotlight Conversation! The deadline is Friday, Sept. 26.

Urgent: Local governments are needed to help the 30% Solution pass at the International Codes Coalition meeting on Sept. 21-22. To make new buildings 30% more energy efficient, take action now--and apply for an ICLEI travel scholarship to the Minneapolis meeting!

Reduce emissions and save money by purchasing computer equipment using the Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT). Join ICLEI on Sept. 11 for a free, one-hour webinar on how to incorporate EPEAT into your computer procurements. Register today!

Solar-powered schools sound great, but who can afford them, right? Not so fast. KyotoUSA made it happen for Washington Elementary School in Berkeley, California, with an array of financing sources, including an innovative local offset program. Can this model work in your community? View the case study and the overview of financing sources, and find out now.

Bonus links:
• How dirty school buses can clean up their acts with help from ICLEI and the EPA
• Sierra magazine's top 10 Cool Schools

New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposes putting windmills on city bridges and rooftops.

Seattle, WA, plans to double its energy savings.

Savannah, GA, pursues its climate action strategy

Kingston and Dedham, MA, save money with the Community Energy Challenge.

Austin, TX, Raleigh, NC, Oakland, CA, and other ICLEI members are profiled in Cool Trends, a new report from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals.

Don’t forget to bookmark ICLEI’s Climate & Sustainability News page, or subscribe to our RSS feed. You can also bookmark our ICLEI & Members in the News page, or subscribe to the RSS feed.

During a panel discussion at the Big Tent in Denver last week, ICLEI Executive Director spotlighted how local governments are leading our country's climate protection efforts. Read more.

The September issue of CitiesGoGreen magazine features a special report on ICLEI, and an interview with Executive Director Michelle Wyman. Read it now and subscribe for free.