Clinton forms alliance to end climate change

LOS ANGELES — Former President Clinton and mayors of some of the world's largest cities announced an initiative Tuesday to combat climate change and increase energy efficiency in everything from street lights to building materials.

The partnership joins Clinton with the Large Cities Climate Leadership Group, an alliance of Rome, London, Mexico City, Los Angeles and other cities that have pledged to cut greenhouse-gas emissions. The aim is to pool technology and resources to slash the pollutants that contribute to global warming while promoting clean-burning fuels and energy conservation.

"This is a very, very serious problem, but also a phenomenal opportunity," Clinton said. The plan calls for Clinton to help the cities pool their purchasing power to lower the price of energy-saving products and accelerate the development of technology to reduce greenhouse gases.

"Our aim is simple: to change the world," said London Mayor Ken Livingstone.