HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/23/2016 - STAFF REPORTS - 00 Climate
= Action PS
Our goal.•To stop climate change
Council Testimony: 6.23.16
Our Future Starts Now
Climate change is the defining issue of our age. As you know, it represents a very real
threat to humanity with deepening droughts, water shortages, epic storms, massive
wildfires and sea level rise.
It also represents the opportunity to re-imagine a renewable energy future. One that
diversifies our economy, grows our local renewable businesses, provides jobs, attracts
eco-tourists and ensures a viable future for our children.
Communities and organizations worldwide have begun the process of pivoting to a
sustainable future to meet this target.
o Last year 42% of Danish power was generated by windmills
o San Francisco will soon require installed solar on all new construction under 10
stories
o Coke will power all it's operations by renewable energy by 2020
o The Netherlands will begin selling only electric vehicles in 2025
o Stockholm is on track to be fossil fuel free by 2040
The Palm Springs Sustainability Department, under the skilled leadership of Michele
Mician has laid the groundwork for our transition. It is time to aggressively cut
greenhouse gases (GHG). We are counting on you, our leaders, to support bold goals for
the reduction of greenhouse gases and implement systematic and methodical plans to
achieve those goals in the next 10-15 years.
Our f rst priority must be to prevent new sources of GHG emissions to our environment.
In Palm Springs, our last GHG audit in 2010 revealed that 70% of our emissions come
from the fossil fuels used to heat, light and cool our buildings. Most new construction
adds more GHG at a time we need to be cutting emissions.
In response to this reality, we implore you to pass the common sense draft ordinance that
will require installed solar for all new construction and major remodels. Policies
requiring installed solar have already been enacted in Santa Monica, San Francisco,
Lancaster, Sebastopol and Culver City.
Thank you for your leadership in stopping climate change. It will take all of us and there
is no time to waste.
Ellen Lockert
ellen@climateactionps.com
www.climateactionps.com `l: \
P.O. Box 5086, Palm Springs, CA 92263 �(1
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