Cities & Regions

[On U.S. subnational climate action] For all of the great things that are going on in these cities, it's only a small fraction of national emissions, and so it's really important that those cities that are pioneers, if you like, be much more focused on getting their pioneering to spread, and not just be thrilled with themselves about their pioneering status.

[On U.S. subnational climate action] One of the great priorities [is] to make sure there is license for the heartland to innovate and act.

Ultimately, the differences between the two candidates are huge. I think if we have a second Trump Administration we're going to see even more of the [climate] action shift to the state and local level, and if we see a Biden Administration we're going to see action at the state and local level, but hopefully more federal support.

[On U.S. subnational climate action] When you add up all the efforts of the pioneers over the next decade or so, they’re going to be cutting US emission maybe four percent. So that’s a contribution. But we cannot stop the climate problem without much bigger cuts across the nation and ultimately across the whole globe.

Cities make great laboratories for combating climate change because some of the hardest tasks in cutting emissions involve activities such as urban planning and rebuilding transportation infrastructures — areas where cities are on the front lines. What's needed is for these leaders, like San Diego, to make their successes more visible — so that more cities here and abroad follow.