Global Day of Conversation

On April 22, 2010, as part of the 40th Anniversary observance of Earth Day, the Global Day of Conversation will engage at least 500 mayors around the world in conversations within their local communities on issues of climate, energy and sustainability. These discussions aim to help constituents achieve a deeper and shared understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities facing the Earth and its communities. The conversations will be rich in content and include each mayor’s bold call-to-action for community members to change their ways of living and doing business.

This Day of Conversation will be truly global in its reach. Organized by Earth Day Network (EDN) in Washington, D.C., the Global Day of Conversation will collaborate with representatives in communities whose voices, until now, have gone unheard.

In order to make the Global Day of Conversation successful, EDN will engage local officials and their constituents across sectors in a focused dialogue on climate change. The areas of emphasis include all of the major environmental issues facing the Planet with significant impact at the local level, including but not limited to energy efficiency, water conservation, transportation, and economic opportunity through green jobs and clean industry. By bringing these issues to the forefront, local officials will help bridge the gap that exists in public engagement through education and a course of action.

Through education, the Global Day of Conversation will inspire individuals, who may be overwhelmed by information on environmental issues, to reduce human impact on the environment. Through the public dialogue supported by the conversations a new course of action for setting and meeting climate protection goals will be established. Communities will increase their engagement with local government climate initiatives, and identify ways every citizen, local business and key stakeholder can support these proposals. They will ultimately elevate the collective voice of local governments and communities in a national and international climate action dialogue.

The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day provides an incredible opportunity for carrying out the vision of a Global Conversation on climate action. Earth Day’s history, reach, and worldwide nature make it the perfect time to take these Conversations to an international audience.