Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Mayor Dickens picked for a leadership role in climate-focused mayors network

Dickens’ appointment comes as the federal government is expected to pull back from the global climate change fight under President-elect Donald Trump.

With the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump likely to scale back federal efforts to limit climate change, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has been tabbed to help lead a bipartisan coalition of U.S. mayors focused on addressing the global problem at the local level.

On Monday, Dickens was named the vice chair of Climate Mayors, a network of almost 350 mayors from cities and towns that are home to 46 million Americans. Founded in 2014, the group aims to advance local, climate-friendly policies and “build political will for federal and global climate action.”

Dickens said he was honored to step into the role at “such a critical time,” adding that cities are on the front lines of the climate fight.

“We are innovation hubs and the closest level of government to our residents, so we’re really uniquely positioned to implement impactful climate solutions,” Dickens said during a virtual news conference Monday.

Dickens will serve alongside Mayor Lauren McLean (D) of Boise, Idaho, who was picked as a co-vice chair. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego (D) was named Climate Mayors’ chair.