Attachment 2. Draft Vision Statement for Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Overarching Vision Statement Options

Transcription

1 Attachment 2 Overarching Vision Statement Options What does a carbon neutral Santa Monica look like? Well, for starters, no one has ever seen a community that is truly carbon neutral in which there are no carbon emissions associated with the community, or that net emissions are balanced by emission reductions. This offers us an opportunity to create our own vision for a carbon neutral Santa Monica. Climate change is not a stand-alone issue separate from the other issues Santa Monica faces. It is rooted in land use, transportation, and building energy patterns that have evolved over generations, and therefore, the solutions to climate change also cannot be stand-alone. They must be part of our work to build vibrant, complete communities, and they will require action from everyone in our communities local government, residents, businesses, industry, building owners, utilities, and many others as well as action at the state, federal, and international level. In doing this we will continue to be a model of innovative policies and practices that improve quality of life and economic opportunity for all. Our vision is to create opportunities today while moving toward a low carbon future. Eliminating carbon emissions from our lives requires reimagining our community. It means transitioning away from fossil fuels while strengthening the local economy and shifting fundamental patterns of urban development, transportation, buildings and consumption. We will demonstrate how enhancing our natural and built environments, investing in a diverse clean economy, and reducing disparities among residents can create an educated, equitable and prosperous society. The challenge of global climate change implores us to take action at the local level. Santa Monica has a long history being a leader in sustainability. We have achieved aggressive greenhouse gas reductions through progressive policies, active businesses and engaged citizens. In order to meet the challenge of climate change, Santa Monica will seek to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 or sooner. Achieving this goal will transform our way of living, working and getting around to the places we enjoy.

2 Affirming Principles & Ideals We are a sustainable community and stewards of the natural environment. All Santa Monica residents and businesses are served by local, affordable clean power and are supported to be energy efficient. Residents, businesses and visitors are supported by elegant systems to reuse, repurpose, recycle and compost their post-consumer materials. Environmental literacy and service are key components of our educational system, helping students of all ages to thrive in experience-based learning. The community s urban forest and natural landscapes support locally appropriate habitats and ecosystems, filter and capture rainwater, clean the air, cool the city and capture carbon. Major material flows like organic matter, wastewater, urban runoff and excess heat are captured and repurposed for reuse within the community. We are mobile and connected, supported by smart infrastructure and services. Walking and biking are the primary modes of moving throughout Santa Monica. Mass transit and shared transportation services are ubiquitous, integrated, low-cost and accessible, allowing seamless access for everyone of all abilities. Movement on the city s streets is fluid and peaceful, as autonomous and electric vehicles have become prominent. Local government, regional agencies and the private industry have collaborated to deploy smart technologies and infrastructure that maximize real-time data, advance communication networks, and improve delivery and access of services. We prioritize equity and wellbeing of the individual, as the building block of a healthy community. A majority of Santa Monica residents have a positive outlook on life, feel connected with their community of choice, and are inspired and supported by their surroundings, both built and natural. Every resident, regardless of socio-economic status, has access to a neighborhood that includes quality retail, schools, healthy food, green spaces, jobs and affordable housing. Communities of color and low-income populations are prioritized and involved in the development and implementation of climate-related programs, policies and actions. We have a prosperous economy and resilient community that is supportive and responsive to climate change. Santa Monica s local economy is bolstered by a diverse mix of businesses, committed conserving resources and being sustainability leaders in the community and their industries. Community buildings and infrastructure are prepared to withstand and recover quickly from the impacts of a changed climate such as sea level rise, drought and heatwaves. Adapting to climate change and preparing for impacts yields new partnerships, empowered individuals and increased economic opportunities.

3 Inspired from the following excerpts: City of Portland s Vision Prosperous Portland and Multnomah County are the heart of a vibrant region with a thriving economy. Green living-wage jobs are a key component throughout the regional economy. Households and businesses save money and resources by favoring energy-saving appliances and durable, repairable goods, and routinely share and rent vehicles and other goods. Connected Access to active transportation options has never been better, including frequent service transit to the city s many employment centers. Pedestrians, bicyclists and transit are prominent throughout Portland s vibrant community centers, bustling corridors and diverse neighborhoods. Vehicles are highly efficient and run on low-carbon electricity and renewable fuels. Healthy and Resilient Homes and business buildings are affordable, healthy, comfortable, durable and highly efficient The urban forest canopy, natural areas, biodiversity and habitat corridors and green roofs can be found throughout the community Backyard gardens, farmers markets and other community-based food programs are plentiful, productive and thriving. The region s buildings, infrastructure and natural human systems are prepared to recover quickly from the impacts of a changed climate such as flooding, landslides and heatwaves. Equitable Every resident, regardless of socio-economic status, has easy access to a walkable and bikeable neighborhood that includes retails, schools, parks, jobs and affordable housing. There are plentiful employment and small business opportunities led by and employing under-served and under-represented communities. Communities of color and low-income populations are involved in the development and implementation of climate-related programs, policies and actions. The intertwined challenges of climate change, social inequity, economic volatility, degraded natural systems and the rising cost of living demand an integrated response that goes far beyond cutting carbon. An 80 percent reduction of local carbon emissions by 2050 requires reimagining our community. It means transitioning away from fossil fuels while strengthening the local economy and shifting fundamental patterns of urban development, transportation, buildings and consumption. City of Boulder s Vision Boulder becomes a world leader in the development, implementation and export of renewable energy and emissions reductions programs that create local economic opportunities, enhance community well-being and

4 resilience, and inspire and enable other communities to participate in reducing carbon emissions and stabilizing the climate. City of Melbourne Definition of carbon neutrality: being carbon neutral means that the net greenhouse gas emissions associated with an organization s or city s activities are equal to zero. It is achieved through a combination of measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and purchasing of carbon offsets. The terms zero net emissions and carbon neutral can be used interchangeably. City of Toronto s Vision In the year 2050 Toronto is a low carbon city, having achieved the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets adopted unanimously by City Council in At the same time, the City has a clean, reliable and affordable energy supply that meets our environmental, economy, social and consumer needs in 2050 and beyond. City of Seattle s Vision This ambitious vision will only be achieved by taking a broad and long term view. Climate change is not a standalone issue separate from the other issues Seattle faces. It is rooted in land use, transportation, and building energy patterns that have evolved over generations, and therefore, the solutions to climate change also cannot be stand-alone. They must be part of Seattle s work to build vibrant, complete communities, and they will require action from everyone in our communities local government, residents, businesses, industry, building owners, utilities, and many others as well as action at the state, federal, and international level. City of Vancouver s Vision The GCAP is a strategy for staying on the leading edge of city sustainability. Our vision is to create opportunities today while building a strong local economy, vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods, and an internationally recognized city that meets the needs of generations to come. This is a vision that has an important role for each of us Washington DC s Vision The vision for the District s more sustainable future is one that we can all work together to achieve: In just one generation 20 years the District of Columbia will be the healthiest, greenest, and most livable city in the United States. An international destination for people and investment, the District will be a model of innovative policies and practices that improve quality of life and economic opportunity. We will demonstrate how enhancing our natural and built environments, investing in a diverse clean economy, and reducing disparities among residents can create an educated, equitable and prosperous society. City of San Diego s Vision Today, San Diego has the opportunity to take action that will not only help to mitigate the impacts of climate change, but preserve and improve our quality of life. By reducing our energy and fuel consumption we save money, improve the air, and enjoy better public health. By planting trees we create shade on hot days and help to create beautiful, quality neighborhoods. Meeting this challenge at the local level can, and will, dramatically enhance our standard of life and continue to preserve the romantic vision that has charmed San Diegans for the past 150 years.

5 City of Philadelphia s Vision Greenworks aims to make Philadelphia a sustainable city for all by reaching ambitious visions on the topics of food and water, air, energy, climate, natural resources, transportation, waste, and civic engagement. While we ve organized the visions into eight categories, we recognize all of them complement each other. Each Greenworks vision will help create a city where all Philadelphians enjoy benefits from sustainability, including improved public health, a clean environment, and opportunities to learn, work, and prosper. All Philadelphians have access to healthy, affordable, and sustainable food and drinking water All Philadelphians breathe healthy air inside and outside All Philadelphians efficiently use clean energy that they can afford All Philadelphians are prepared for climate change and reduce carbon pollution All Philadelphians benefit from parks, trees, stormwater management, and healthy waterways All Philadelphians have access to safe, affordable, and low-carbon transportation All Philadelphians waste less and keep our neighborhoods clean All Philadelphians benefit from sustainability education, employment, and business opportunities