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Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole has opinions about whether Carbondale is a "cool city," and he doesn't mean hip.
Cole and community members met at the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship Church Thursday to discuss Carbondale's role in helping eliminate global warming.
"I do believe this is an important endeavor for the city of Carbondale," said Cole.
Members of the Sierra Club, an organization dedicated to protecting the planet, are concerned about what Carbondale can do to lessen the effects of global warming, said member Jo Ann Nelson.
Cole signed the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement on Feb. 25, in which he pledged "...to reduce global warming carbon dioxide pollution in [Carbondale] to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012," according to the Sierra Club's Web site.
Members of the local Sierra Club are urging Carbondale to join the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives.
Barbara McKasson, chair for the Shawnee Group Sierra Club, said through the council, Carbondale would have to pay $600 to join Cities for Climate Protection. The program would provide software and training for city officials on how to conduct inventory in greenhouse gas emission and how to effectively use the money spent on such inventory.
In order for Carbondale to meet its proposed goals, the city must create an action plan that includes strict steps and policies to reduce many greenhouse gas emissions, according to the club's Web site.
The Rev. Bill Sasso invited Cole to partake in the open conversation about these issues.
In order for Carbondale to carry out the ideals of a "cool city," there are steps the community would have to take, according to the club's Web site.
For instance, energy-efficient lighting would be installed in city buildings. LED lights, devices that convert electricity into light, would replace the current lights in traffic signals, and energy-efficient appliances and electronics would replace old ones. The city would have to purchase hybrid and other fuel-efficient vehicles. Buses would have to be run on cleaner compressed natural gas, according to the Web site.
"There is no way to change everything," said Cole. "It's a gradual process of making improvements in specific errors."
He said city officials are looking at the idea of expanding recycling programs and have applied for state grants to cover the cost of other programs.
Cole said there is no way to determine a definite price on a movement like this.
"Look at the money spent as an investment for the future," said McKasson.
McKasson suggests the entire community would benefit from making Carbondale a cool city.
"The more everybody does to reduce emissions, the less climate change we will have," said McKasson.
McKasson said once global warming was reduced, the community would have better air to breathe. There would be lower prices on gas and electricity based on supply and demand, air conditioners would be used less during the summer and crop growth would not be hindered. All of these events would lead to money saved for Carbondale community members, McKasson said.
Cole said he would like to "bring forward a cooperative type program that will allow businesses and residents to buy products that are environmentally smart."
There are 950 cool cities throughout the United States. Illinois has 44 cool cities, including Chicago, Edwardsville, Springfield and Alton, according to the club's Web site.
Cole said changes would not happen overnight.
"We can make a very large impact with small steps," said Cole.
Cristian Stelle can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 254 or cristian.stelle@siude.com.
