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[ME na iroropfit[.7: <br />Opportunities with Climate Action <br />While the challenge of climate change is dauntingthere is a hu e ca acitv for Of <br />olicies to influence GHG emissions, particularly considering that the malohtV of the world' <br />population resides in urban areas. Ma'or areas of action include reen building <br />renewable energy, transportation, and waste management. Simply recordina buildin <br />energy performance against national energy rating standards can result in avera <br />annual energy savings of 2.4 percent. Cities can help negotiate renewable pow r <br />purchasing agreements with local utilities as well as offer incentives for installing sot r <br />panels and wind turbines in the residential and commercial sectors. Similarly, citie ' <br />decisions to switch to electric public vehicles and buses offer more electric char in <br />stations, conduct smart transportation 1plannina, and provide greater access to mass transit <br />can alleviate GHG emissions from private driving in the transportation sector. Increasing <br />waste diversion and reducing consumption also contribute significantly to emission <br />reductions. <br />There are numerous benefits to takinq action now on this. By implementina such climate <br />action strategies, we not only heIrp reduce global GHG emissions and slow climate <br />changes, but on the local scale we also see: <br />Better air quality and improved human health. <br />Reduced urban heat island. <br />More green space and conservation of natural lands. <br />New jobs and greater reinvestment in the local economy. <br />Lower enerav and water bills. <br />• Shorter commute times between home work and school and more opportunities f r <br />people to walk, bike, or take public transit. <br />• More resilient and connected neighborhoods and communities. <br />• Less damage to social and environmental systems from drought, floods and fire an <br />fewer disruptions in services. <br />• Improved energy, water, and food security. <br />It is oarticularly important to note the strong connection between health benefits an <br />climate action, detailed in Figure 4. <br />San Leandro 2021 Climate Action Plan Page 17 <br />