Defining what issues are "green" presents its own set of challenges. Green issues encompass physical elements, such as our air, land and water; societal questions, such as job creation or environmentally responsible behaviors, and broad policy decisions, such as zoning code amendments or vehicle emission standards.

 

In the broadest sense, all issues faced by a city relate to the environment in some way, even if only indirectly. At their core, green issues are about the choices we make and the impact those choices have on the environment around us. Below is a selection of major issue areas that demonstrate both the interconnectedness of green issues, as well as the many ways in which they intersect with our lives.