The City and County of Denver are stepping up their efforts to inspire citywide climate action with their recent “Do more. Do less. Do something.” campaign. Backed by the Climate Protection Fund, the initiative has been set into motion by the Denver Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CASR) to urge Denverites to rethink habits that contribute to pollution and waste. With over $40 million fueling the fund annually, the campaign is a direct response to locals who desire to act against climate change but often find themselves at a loss for actionable steps.
Data reflecting Denver's commitment to the cause comes through loud and clear, as the city managed to cut down single-use plastic bags by 24 million in 2024 compared to two years prior and replaced over a million car trips with e-bike rides. However, this campaign intends to grow these individual steps into a larger, collective stride towards sustainability. According to the City and County of Denver, the strategy banks on a behavioral science meta-analysis of 430 studies, which points to peer comparison as a strong motivator in adopting green habits.
Mayor Mike Johnston emphasized the community's resolve, stating, "Everyday, I see Denverites come together to support our city, and climate action is no exception." According to information obtained by the City and County of Denver, Johnston believes the campaign “makes it easier for community members to take easy, everyday actions to help meet our shared climate goals.” The growing sense of urgency is reflected by Denver County's 84% belief in global warming, 21% higher than the national average, as per 2024 data from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.
Highlighting the campaign's communal impact, Elizabeth Babcock, CASR Executive Director, conveyed to the City and County of Denver that major change often starts with the individual. Babcock further insisted that “this campaign is about showing every Denverite that their actions matter and that when we move together, we move the needle.” The initiative is set to deploy various outreach efforts, including giveaways, green-lit landmarks, and awareness campaigns similar to the proven "truth" anti-smoking campaign.
