Jake Stewart With significant renewable resources available, and a progressive population and local government, the city of Austin has become a model for building the diverse package of renewable procurement, efficiency measures, and public outreach that can achieve substantial results in carbon emissions reductions.

Eric GarcettiLos Angeles provides an interesting case study for sustainable urban living—in such a vast and diverse city, solutions don’t come easily. Proving the sincerity of its sustainability efforts, L.A. recently approved a green building code to supplement ambitious smart growth practices, and the city’s efforts to promote recycling has led the nation for years.

Andy LipkisAndy Lipkis, president and founder of TreePeople, speaks about Los Angeles’ ability to overcome its ongoing environmental crisis as a community.

Andy HowardArup America Regional COO Andy Howard discusses holistic innovation and the worldwide appeal of sustainable planning and engineering.

Claire BowinClaire Bowin, head of the Los Angeles Department of City Planning’s green building program, discusses the role of local planning in climate change mitigation.

Nancy SutleyCities produce massive amounts of pollution and waste, but, as any environmentalist will attest, they also hold the key to efficient, stustainable living. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has pledged to incorporate an environmental ethnic into every possible facet of city life, and Los Angeles’ Deputy Mayor for Energy and the Environment, Nancy Sutley, is spearheading these efforts within the Villaraigosa administration.

Enrique PeñalosaJust as cities in undeveloped countries face daunting urban and environmental challenges, so do they give rise to remarkable, unexpected solutions. Focusing on improved public transit and public spaces, Mayor Enrique Peñalosa transformed Bogotá, Columbia, into a more pleasant, safe, and sustainable city.