ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an excellent introduction to some of the issues and challenges faced when considering climate mitigation at the local level. It establishes that per-person average emissions vary wildly from place to place, both between countries and within them. The average emissions per capita neighbourhood consists of high-density single family homes close to the downtown core and with access to public transit. The highest emissions per capita neighbourhood is located in the suburbs, consisting of large, low-density single family homes, distant from commercial activity. A large share of global greenhouse gas emissions is attributable to cities. Globalization is anchored through the growing connectivity of about 75 "global cities." The mitigation process to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions should begin with a good understanding of emissions sources. This is accomplished with a clear and comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory. Greenhouse gas inventories for local jurisdictions identify emissions by source and report them in per capita terms.
