Cities have the most people-and are growing fast-and this means more energy demand

More than 50% of people live in cities today, and more than 2/3rds of all energy is consumed in urban centres. Cities are expected to grow due to rural-to-urban migration, economic growth and population rise. This growth is projected to reach 60% by 2030, according to the UN, and much of this rapid growth is expected in industrializing Asia. To meet the requirements of rapidly growing cities requires energy, and there is now an opportunity to provide this energy sustainably, and encourage the efficient use of this renewable energy.

Renewable energy means cleaner cities

Cities are also the entities that will feel most strongly the negative impacts of conventional energy use, from climate change to air and water pollution and land degradation. The energy system of today is poorly equipped to meet the needs of urban citizens of today and tomorrow, which continue to be put at risk from climate change, volatile energy markets and environmental degradation.

Local Renewable Energy means Independence and Protection

Local use of renewable energy offers a solution for not only developing our cities sustainably, but to also reduce carbon dioxide emissions and dependence on imported fossil fuels. Small scale generation that is produced close to consumers is not only significantly more environmentally friendly, it is also economically advantageous. We can power our communities today with the placement of mini power plants on roofs, and near buildings. Renewable energy and its local production increases local energy security by sheltering communities from global fluctuations in energy prices.

Harmful effects of fossil fuel and nuclear energy are far-reaching

So much of our energy today comes to us from massive power plants - fossil fuel fired power plants that spew CO2 and toxins like mercury into the air and waterways, and nuclear power plants that are frightfully expensive and even to this day have no known solution for storing the waste. And most people are alarmed at the prospect of a nuclear waste site - "Coming soon to a neighbourhood near you." In addition, fossil and nuclear energy sources have disastrous impacts on the environment from mining and processing into fuel.

See 10 main reasons for community leaders to use local renewables

Read more about the importance of LG action