News

NEW YORK, NY May 11, 2007 —Representative from 40 cities around the world are in New York this week for an international conference on climate change. WNYC's Beth Fertig reports.

Organizers say cities can play a major role in reversing climate change because they're responsible for three quarters of the world's energy consumption. With international studies concluding that global warming is no longer up for debate, the Large Cities Climate Summit has taken on new importance. Delegates will attend panels on how to reduce traffic congestion, alternative energy sources, and the role of business. The first conference was held in London 2 years ago.

It's now grown to include 250 delegates from 40 of the world's largest cities. With New York as host city, the event will also be an opportunity for Mayor Bloomberg to promote his plan to cut back on greenhouse gases 30 percent by the year 2030. For WNYC I'm Beth Fertig.