Mayors Showcase Green Cities

An article on CNN.com today mentions Chicago and its efforts to combat global warming:

Chicago's Richard M. Daley was one of 45 mayors who swapped ideas on global warming.

Richard M. Daley of Chicago gave other mayors a how-to session on absorbing combustion emissions with extensive gardens throughout his city -- from the ground to the rooftops.

"When a city is designed for the environment, it looks better. It feels better," Daley said.

Big box stores in Chicago are required to have "green roofs" covered by low-growing plants that help lower energy needed for heating and cooling, Daley said. The city also has a shower-equipped bicycle station, plans to install solar-thermal collectors atop city buildings, and a large fleet of hybrid and natural gas-powered vehicles.