2A Work Session 2009 1109 - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 9, 2009 Section 1: Introduction greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced by at least 50 percent below their 1990 levels by the year 2050. 1.1 The Role of Cities in Climate Change We live in a rapidly urbanizing world. Today, half of all humans live in cities. The U.N. estimates that that number is projected to grow to two-thirds by 2030. Moreover, more than half of the world's population now lives within 40 miles of the sea, and three quarters of all large cities are located on the coast. Coastal cities are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as stronger storms, heat related wildfires, and rising sea level. While cities may be vulnerable to climate impacts, they also can play a critical role in reducing the emissions which exacerbate climate impacts. With their concentrations of people and activities at high densities, cities can use resources such as energy, materials and land more efficiently. They are the places where high level, knowledge-based activities congregate, with the expertise to tackle climate change. This is especially true in the Bay Area. Municipalities have the powers and levers to reduce carbon emissions. They control the development of land, direct the growth of housing, coordinate transportation options and direct waste management. They have varying degrees of responsibility for the collection and processing of waste and have responsibility for other environmental infrastructure such as energy and water. They own and manage buildings and vehicle fleets. They are able to form partnerships with private interests as well as mobilizing and coordinating community action. They are uniquely positioned to promote economic development that emphasizes sustainable development and local green jobs. 1.2 San Leandro's Climate Action Plan Process The road to a clean energy future will not be achieved overnight, but rather though incremental steps that are feasible and pragmatic while still balancing the "triple bottom line": economic stability, social equality, and environmental health. This is why the City of San Leandro has taken this important step to develop this Climate Action Plan: a Vision of a Sustainable San Leandro. The City of San Leandro's climate strategy is based on the following five step process: 1. Conduct an inventory of city-wide greenhouse gas emissions 2. Set a reduction target/goal ~~~ saw tF~'o $~ Page 3 ~4~'~ea~ ~~~/