10E Action 2007 0205 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

1. Introduction Since the early 1990's scientific consensus holds that the world's population is releasing greenhouse gases faster than the earth's natural systems can absorb them. These gases are released as by-products of rossil ruel combustion, waste disposal, energy use, land-use changes, and other human activities. This release of gases, such as carbon dioxide (C02), lnethane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N:,O), creates a blanket around the earth that allows light to pass through but traps heat at the surface preventing its escape into space. Known as the greenhouse effect or global climate change, models show that this phenomenon will lead to a 2"f! to I OOF temperature increase over the next 100 years. Already the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that most of the warming observed over the last SO years is attributable to human activities. Changes in the earth's temperature wi II have impacts for residents or A lameda County, Cal i fornia. These impacts could include: · Warmer weather associated with increased heat waves · Wetter weather with an increase in annual rainfall of 20% to 30% leading to more serious storm events · Rising sea levels that will threaten coastal infi'astructure, ecosystems, and water supplies · Decrease in the Sierra snow pack that will effect fresh water availability and tourism opportunities · Increase in insect born diseases Although one city cannot independently resolve the issue of climate change, local governments can make a positive impact through cumulative local action. Cities and counties have the ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through effective land use and transportation planning, wise waste management, and the efficient use of energy. A. Baseline Emissions inventory Report: Purpose This report presents the results orthe City of San Leandro's baseline greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The inventory was conducted by JCLEJ - Local Govell1ments for Sustainability in partnership with the City of San Leandro. The purpose of the baseline emissions inventory is to determine the levels of greenhouse gas emissions that the City of San Leandro emits in its base year, 2005, on a municipal level and a comnmnity-wide level. This information will be L1sed to help the city adopt an emissions reduction target and develop an emissions reduction action plan. The inventory provides important information on the jurisdictions emissions profile so that subsequent emissions reduction strategies can be tailored to the community's specific situation. B. The Alameda County Climate Protection Project In June 2006 the City of San Leandro, along with 10 other local governments in Alameda County, committed to becoming a member of ICLEI and participating in tbe Alameda County Climate Protection Project. The project was launched by IeLRl in partnership with StopWaste.Org and the Alameda County Conference of Mayors_ In committing to the project, the City of San Leandro embarked on an ongoing, coordinated effort to reduce the emissions that cause global warming, improve air quality, reduce waste, cut energy use and save money. City of San Leandro Baseline Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 4 -,,--