As the federal government failed to take ambitious action to limit climate change in the early 21st century, many cities in the US pledged to step into the void. Networks of city governments and philanthropists offered support and cities invested their own resources in sustainability offices. However, cities made limited progress in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions in the first two decades of this century. Local Greens provides a clear-eyed analysis of the potential for big city governments to address society's most pressing environmental problems in the near term. Through original case studies of New York's environmental policy efforts in the early 21st century, the book examines the promise and perils of turning to cities to tackle climate change. Drawing on an analysis of cities' strengths and weaknesses, the book outlines a high-level agenda for urban environmental policy for a sustainable future.

‘At a time of significant federal retrenchment, cities increasingly serve as vanguards of environmental protection and sustainability. Katrina Wyman and Danielle Spiegel‐Feld have now provided the definitive account of the complex nature of this engagement and a clear-eyed, indispensable urban agenda for responding to the climate crisis.’

Nestor Davidson - Albert A. Walsh Chair in Real Estate, Land Use and Property Law, Fordham Law School

‘Cities, big and small, have always played a role in governing the urban environment. The pressures of climate change and gridlocked politics at the national level, though, have made local environmental policy increasingly important. Through its legal and theoretical analysis and a deep dive into policymaking in New York City, Local Greens provides a sharp and clear-eyed look at the possibilities and limitations of local environmental policy. A must read for environmentalists and urban policy wonks alike.’

David Schleicher - Walter E. Meyer Professor of Property and Urban Law, Yale Law School

‘At a time when federal policy on climate change zig-zags across administrations, large cities have become important actors in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to their consequences. Professors Wyman and Spiegel-Feld’s excellent book provides a compelling and sophisticated account of the role that cities can play in addressing climate change.’

Richard L. Revesz - AnBryce Professor of Law and Dean Emeritus, New York University School of Law