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 Global warming is the fundamental challenge of the twenty-first century. It requires a sustained rethinking and retooling of our government institutions, our social networks, and our built environment. By rising to the challenge we’ll not only avoid projected climate impacts, we’ll also make our communities healthier places, make our economy more robust, and improve our quality of life.
Fortunately California has taken bold steps to address this challenge, including the passage of AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which requires the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions to decrease to 1990 levels by 2020, the first step towards deeper reductions in the decades ahead.
However, the promise of AB 32 continues to be eroded each day that local, state, and national leaders take a “wait and see” approach to global warming and proceed with business as usual decision making. This is particularly apparent in regards to California’s land use and development practices. As public agencies approve and invest in sprawl developments and car-centered transportation infrastructure, it becomes increasingly difficult to change course. Rather than shifting to climate-friendly development patterns that are dense, vibrant, resource efficient, and provide public transportation and bicycle/pedestrian opportunities, Californians are increasingly locked into high emission lifestyles where getting in the car is the only viable option for meeting most basic needs.
In addition, a flood of recent scientific reports indicate that changes are occurring much more rapidly than most climate models had projected. From diminishing snowpack to new wildfire risks, the effects of global warming are being felt today, yet we have done little to increase the resiliency of our communities and ecosystems.
That’s why we’re taking action now.
We’re working with the state Legislature, state agencies, and local organizations across California to reshape our communities in the face of global warming. Through our Local Climate Action Initiative we’re empowering community leaders to work with their elected officials to reduce the carbon footprint of new development. We’re also helping national, state, and local leaders reshape their policies to respond to emerging climate hazards in ways that protect our environment, enhance social equity, and strengthen our economy.
For more information contact Tina Andolina.
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