Today, thousands of people from all over the world will participate in over 5,242 rallies in 181 countries to demand strong action on climate change and draw attention to one of the greatest challenges of our time. International Day of Climate Action underscores the need to dramatically decrease CO2 emissions before we reach 350 parts per million of cardon dioxide in the atmosphere. The majority of scientists throughout the world believe that 350 parts per million is the upper limit of cardon dioxide that our plant’s atmosphere could support. If we cross that threshold, scientists believe significant and irreversible damage could be done to the environment that would threaten water supplies, wildlife, plant life and our overall quality of life as we know it.

We must face the challenges of climate change and protecting our environment head on. Many people do their part as individuals through simple, yet effective things such as recycling, turning off the lights and driving less. Changing the way we live our daily lives is one step. However, it will take governments and political leaders at all levels to enact bold, visionary and innovative policies to make the real change.

Here in Santa Barbara, we have done just that. The City of Santa Barbara’s Sustainability Council has put our city on the path to become a model green city. I am proud of the work we have done at the Sustainability Council and believe that we have only begun to scratch the surface. We have enacted some of the most successful and innovative programs in the state, designed to reduce energy use, increase recycling, promote alternative transportation, protect water supplies and our natural environment. Through these programs cardon emissions from City operations are now 10% lower than in 1990 and Santa Barbara is recognized as one of the five best cities in the nation when it comes to climate protection.

Through the work of the Sustainability Council we are on track to have 30% of our energy come from renewable sources by 2011. We have invested in renewable energy technologies that are not only good for the environment, but create good paying jobs right here at home. Most recently, we approved a new solar power program that will provide clean power to over 1,000 single family homes. Currently, there are over 150 city vehicles – from buses to maintenance trucks – that run on clean burning alternative fuels, with plans to invest in more. We are aggressively working with our neighbors to find regional transportation solutions, including commuter rail to reduce traffic and pollution. Most importantly, we have created a working partnership with local businesses to create innovative forwarding thinking policies that protect our environment and help our economy grow.

We have taken the lead and found real solutions here at home. If it can be done here in Santa Barbara there is no reason we can’t do the same in Sacramento and Washington DC. In Sacramento, we need to work to replicate the success we have seen in Santa Barbara. That means policies that promote the growth of solar, wind and other renewable energy industries throughout the state. Investing in energy efficiency programs, alternative fueled vehicles and green technologies. California can not only be the heart of the 21st century green economy, but help lead the way on stopping climate change for our nation and our planet. This goal should not only be a dream, but can be a reality. I look forward to continuing to work towards bringing innovative, practical and successful solutions to one of the greatest challenges of our time. I hope you will join me and many others in this fight.

-- Das

Labels: climate change, sustainability