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Mayor Will Wynn represented Austin's strong emphasis on environmental issues and support in California on Sunday for the celebration of Green Cities, the theme for the first annual World Environment Day.
Wynn, as well as 59 other international mayors, traveled to San Francisco, joining world leaders to sign the San Francisco Urban Environmental Accords, which support the need to address environmental issues, beginning with cities. The accords endorse the United Nations' efforts to advance sustainability, foster vibrant economics and protect the world's natural resources.
The accords touch on issues of energy, waste reduction, urban design, urban nature, transportation, environmental health and water. All of the issues total 21 actions planned for cities to implement such as energy efficiency, habitat restoration and wastewater reduction.
"Between now and the World Environment Day 2012, cities shall work to implement as many of the 21 actions as possible," the accords stated. "The goal is for cities to pick three actions to adopt each year. In order to recognize the progress of cities to implement the Accords, a City Green Star Program shall be created."
Last week, Austin received a sustainable-city award from SustainLane, which is part of the World Environment Day celebration. The award was given to cities showing leadership in preservation of open space, providing a pedestrian-friendly urban center and constructing more environmentally-responsible buildings.
Matt Curtis, executive assistant to the mayor, said environmental issues are a priority of Wynn's.
In May, Wynn also signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which urges federal and state governments to enact policies to meet the Kyoto Protocol for reducing global-warming levels. Efforts to reduce levels include decreasing the country's dependence on fossil fuels and increasing development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel-efficient technologies. Austin Energy already has environmentally efficient options for customers, and the city of Austin plans to address reducing global warming levels at a future meeting.
As of June 3, 158 mayors from around the nation have signed the agreement, including mayors from Austin, Denton, Hurst and Laredo. "We must protect our environment even if it results in great sacrifices," said Mayor Richard Ward of Hurst in a written statement.
After signing the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, Mayor Wynn sponsored a City Council resolution supporting the San Francisco Urban Environmental Accords signed Sunday. He also added a goal for the city to adhere to the goals of the accords by 2012 and the City Council passed the resolution unanimously.
"We're doing things to sustain our quality of life for the future and protect our climate." Wynn said in a written statement.
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