Nearly two hundred mayors of cities across the USA are defying US federal policy and signing up to the Kyoto agreement. They are working with their citizens to reduce carbon emissions at personal, corporate and community levels. Together these mayors represent over 14 million people taking responsibility for their own lifestyles. Mayor Perez of Albuquerque is a founder of the initiative. His city is one week into Kate's ride and his response to her request for a meeting very positive.

Under the banner of 'cool cities' the mayors involved have been dubbed 'cool mayors' by the environmental campaign organisation The Sierra Club.

You can find out more about Cool Cities at http://www.coolcities.us/

One more 'cool city' lies on Kate's route, Missoula in Montana. It will be interesting to compare strategies for carbon reductions between the desert city of the south and the mountain city close to the Canadian border. Kate's downloadable interviews will appear on this website in due course.