At the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Miami Beach this week, leading American mayors committed their cities to the Paris Agreement, reports Lizette Alvarez for The New York Times. The mayors hope to get their cities to 100% renewable energy by 2035; a lofty goal, but one that many towns and cities across the country have moved toward in the last few years. Miami was a fitting host city because much of it lies at sea level, making it susceptible to rising seas. Many mayors representing both political parties attended the conference, arguing that climate change is not a partisan issue.

Some prominent mayors did not attend, generally those from oil or coal reliant states like Oklahoma or West Virginia. Even so, the conference remained confident that the strides taken by over 300 American cities will make an important difference in curbing climate emissions. Many mayors are simply listening to their constituents and seeing the effects of rising temperatures. All are proud that their cities can make a difference, even after the federal government withdrew earlier this month.