About the National Conversation on Climate Action

On Earth Day 2009 (April 22), hundreds of communities across the country will participate in the National Conversation on Climate Action.  This unprecedented initiative will engage thousands of citizens in face-to-face discussions to drive substantive, solutions-oriented dialogues about climate action opportunities at the local level.  

The 2009 National Conversation reflects the burgeoning demand from local governments for support on community outreach and engagement.  It will enable them to build broader, sustained citizen support for and involvement in local climate protection strategies.

The National Conversation is designed to:

  • Spark or reignite community engagement in their local government’s climate protection initiatives.
  • Identify specific ways in which every citizen, local business and other key stakeholders can support these initiatives.
  • Chart a course of action for setting and meeting climate protection goals.
  • Elevate the collective voices of local governments and their communities in national and international climate action dialogue

Among the hundreds of communities participating in the National Conversation, the following were selected as Spotlight Conversations: Greenburgh, New York; Hennepin County, Minnesota; Houston, Texas; Jackson, Wyoming; Lexington, Kentucky (Fayette County); Los Angeles County, California; Sarasota County, Florida; Sumter, South Carolina; and Tucson, Arizona. Learn more about the Spotlight Conversations.

Impacts: Beyond April 22, 2009

The National Conversation on Climate Action will take place on Earth Day – April 22, 2009. The key to its success, however, will be the extent to which it inspires community-wide conversations and action in the days, weeks, months and even years after that day.

The specific goals for each National Conversation event will vary, and we will be flexible in supporting the needs of each event through template materials applicable to a range of scenarios. Some communities will seek feedback on a draft or just released version of a climate action plan. Others will solicit input in the drafting of a plan. Many will use the opportunity to identify ways community members can help achieve the plan’s goals.

Please go to our FAQ's page for more information on the National Conversation on Climate Action event.