Former mayor Miller joins climate group

Toronto’s former mayor David Miller is taking on one of his toughest jobs yet, becoming the North American director for C40 Cities in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies on climate change.

“The critical issue at the moment is the fact that the U.S. administration doesn’t accept the science and is not acting,” Miller said after the announcement that he will join the coalition of more than 90 world cities united in tackling climate change.

“Mayors across North America are responding to that by demonstrating real actions to mitigate against climate change and help build better and more inclusive cities.

“My role is to help that coalition gain strength.”

Miller served as mayor from 2003 to 2010 and was the chair of C40 Cities from 2008 to 2010.

Along-time advocate for green jobs and sustainable urban economies, Miller will help spearhead climatechange initiatives from North American cities.

He said it is encouraging to see cities taking the lead while federal governments “drag their feet.”

Last August, Trump’s administration notified the United Nations that it would pull out of the Paris climate agreement unless the terms were changed to fit U.S. interests.

“There are a few people who still believe the Earth is flat,” said Miller jokingly, noting the important thing is to have a critical mass that continues the work of improving water, energy, transportation, cycling, parks and urban forests.

“Because of those things, cities can make a huge difference. So you forge ahead.”