Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge facing the world today. How we respond to the the issue of climate change now will determine the shape of our future – our economy, environment, and communities. The debate is no longer about whether climate change is happening, but on what we do about it now.

Westchester County has taken several important actions in response to the growing threat of climate change. In October 2006, County Executive Andy Spano formed the Climate Change: Westchester Global Warming Task Force. The task force presented its Westchester Global Warming Action Plan 2008 earlier this year. The plan calls for an aggressive reduction goal for greenhouse gas emissions by all sectors of the community -- a 20 percent reduction by 2015 and an 80 percent reduction by 2050. Read the plan to learn what you can do to contribute.

We encourage all Westchester residents to become better informed about the County's response to climate change and the many resources available on the topic. The simplest actions can help, for example, replacing old-fashioned light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones (CFLs). Use the Westchester County Green Map to get involved in sustainable green projects and programs throughout the county.

Government, business and individuals all have a part to play so we must rise to the challenge. In fact, Westchester County government has already started reducing vehicle emissions by promoting biodiesel fuel. The county has retrofitted a diesel van -- the Veggie Van -- to run on used vegetable oil. Learn more about it by watching our Veggie Van video. To schedule a visit call (914) 813-5442.