Richard Branson leading Green Capital Global Challenge

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Forget the Olympics--ten cities from around the world are competing to be the 'greenest' capital. The contest, called the Green Capital Global Challenge, begins in Vancouver.

Mayor Gregor Robertson has been pushing his green agenda ever since he was elected and, today, he spoke about the city's goals in the challenge. "Our focus is to mobilize investment, to create jobs and we want to attract entrepreneurs and really drive leadership on the green economy."  Robertson added we're on track to win the competition but more investment is needed.

Billionaire Richard Branson (of Virgin mobile/airlines fame) co-founded the Carbon War Room, a non-profit organization that will chose the winner of the Green Capital Global Challenge. He will hand out the "green medal" at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Branson says new infrastructure and technology are key to breaking the world's dependence on oil.
"If we do nothing, global demand will continue to rise and prices will inevitably rise. Global warming is one big issue, but this could be another real major issue for cities."

Branson says Vancouver is on the right track, as the city's carbon levels have dropped to 1990 levels.