The Green Island Bridge in Troy.A problem as wide-ranging as climate change requires solutions that are equally broad. At the local level in New York, these solutions are at the fingertips of every elected official, at every level of government.

In the Capital District, local leaders can do their part to transform the potentially destructive effects of climate change into profitable solutions. Leaders can drastically improve the fuel efficiency of their town fleets by going hybrid or by introducing green building standards that in the long run are more efficient and save money.

Already we're seeing elected officials in the region planning for smart growth that will slow energy-guzzling sprawl, reuse lands, revitalize town centers, and preserve shrinking farmlands.

In 2008, the NYLCV Capital District Chapter will identify local climate action and smart growth issues, and develop the action plans that are necessary to properly address them. County and local elected officials, as well as the general public, will be the prime targets of these campaigns in an effort to bring the region to the forefront of climate action.