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More people today live in
urban areas and cities than in rural communities. 70% of the world's CO2
emissions are produced by our cities. We use fossil fuels to electrify, heat
our buildings and power our vehicles. So cities have a major role to play in
providing solutions.
As you know, GENI works to
link renewable energy resources between nations around the world. We also know
that every city has a critical role to play. We all need to "think
global and act local" to solve this issue.
 This year we have been partnering with the San Diego
Renewable Energy Society to drive this work in our own city. We invite you do
the same!
San Diego has recently
drafted a Climate Action Plan that sets several goals. Todd Gloria, the
San Diego City Council's President, has pledged that San Diego will be 100% renewable by
2035. That's a big goal and a heavy lift from our current status.
During the presentation, we
learned 4 ways that cities have achieved 100% renewable status, and that the US
EPA has a Top 30 list of City Governments who are already doing this — so any
city can learn from these early adapters. www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists/top30localgov.htm
San Diego's Climate Action
Plan is not perfect — and it is a good place to start for your city. The 5 Core
Strategies include: water/energy efficiency in buildings, clean electricity,
better transit options, zero waste, and climate resiliency. These are excellent
ideas for your city, and we ask that you engage your Mayor and Council.
We created a new website to assist you in the question "What
can I do?":
www.geni.org/100renewablesd
Please sign the 100% Renewable Pledge. You can use these tips to improve your "green ranking" at home and at your business. Every
City needs a Climate Action Plan. You can encourage your leaders to take the
challenge. We invite you and your organization to take a leadership position and Become a Sponsor. It's a way we can "act local and be global" together.
In Partnership for the Planet, |
