Great Lakes Promote Cooperation

CIVIC INSTITUTIONS
Climate change can be addressed at the community level, as is already occurring in many areas across the region. Local solutions to climate change are available and have immediate collateral benefits, including cost savings, cleaner air and water, and improved quality of life. Information concerning climate change must be available so that citizens and leaders can develop the most effective strategies to reduce emissions and to minimize the impacts of climate change. Because the region is home to the automotive industry and a significant percentage of the nation’s coal-fired power plants, it makes sense for business and industry leaders to proactively address climate change so that both the individuals and businesses of the region benefit from investments in new, cleaner technologies.


Solution strategies:	IMPLEMENT ACTION PLANS	SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION	PROMOTE COOPERATION
The Great Lakes region is in a unique position to effectively implement climate change solutions. Several state and local governments are moving ahead on heat-trapping gas reduction policies, so a logical next step is for a region-wide effort. By working as a unit, the states of the Great Lakes region could take advantage of economies of scale and lower the overall cost of emission reductions. For example, states could create a region-wide renewable energy standard, establish a carbon-trading system, and build a high-speed light rail system.