During the plenary session a series of speakers talked about global climate change, moderated by Mayor Nickels, co-chairman of the Council on Climate Protection. Topics included the Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement initiated in 2005, reducing air pollution, preserving water sources, emissions standards, the impact of the warmer arctic, carbon dioxide concentrations, and congressional legislation.

Senator Boxer is chairman of the Senate Environment Committee. Lawrence Bender is one of the producers of the film, “An Inconvenient Truth.” Rep. Markey is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Ms. Hassol wrote, Impacts of a Warm Arctic.

This event served as the first official meeting of the U.S. Mayors Council on Climate Protection. Mayor Brainard also co-chairs the Council.