Visit us on the web! You'll find case studies, issues of the month, workshop materials, archived newsletters and updates on local government activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Contra Costa County
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Join Our Mailing list!
info@cccclimateleaders.org
Contact us:
925.631.0597
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The 4CL Program offers:
Quarterly workshops for education and networking opportunities
Monthly newsletters for environmental updates, pertinent local information, and interesting upcoming events
Ongoing website containing the CCC city environmental developments, archived newsletters, and other educational resources
www.cccclimateleaders.org
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Thank you to our sponsors!
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Newsletter Contributors:
Content:
Heather Cleveland
4CL Consultant
Editor:
Katherine Bracken
4CL Volunteer
Contributing editors:
Lynda Deschambault
Executive Director 4CL
Sophie Demerel
4CL Consultant
Newsletter articles are collected from a variety of sources and are cited via a website reference when applicable
To add content or events to our next monthly newsletter, please send an email to
info@cccclimateleaders.org
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EBEW News
East Bay Energy Watch
2012 Building Energy Predictions
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Local City News
City of Hercules works towards energy reduction The City of Hercules has retained Siemens to conduct a complete audit of all City of Hercules facilities, and using environmental controls systems, to regulate the temperature of all city buildings, including day care centers, the senior center, swim center facilities, and city-run pool facilities. They currently operate a co-generation unit for heating the pool, and solar panels to cool and heat the recreation center. Their yearly energy audit for City-run buildings has produced a savings for their facilities. Board of Education to discuss possible bond measure The potential bond measure would pay for construction, modernization and possibly solar power at several schools, most notably at Stone Valley Middle School and San Valley High.http://www.sanramonexpress.com/news/show_story.php?id=4842 The California Energy Commission's Energy Technology Assistance Program (ETAP) (http://energy-solution.com/etap/) can provide free technical assistance to public agencies that are interested in converting their existing streetlights to LEDs. Among other services, ETAP staff can offer assistance in understanding the applicability and benefit of advanced controls systems, as well as developing preferred LED specifications. If you are interested in taking advantage of ETAP's services, please contact Heidi Hauenstein (contact info provided above).
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Other City News
City of Fremont's General Plan is ready for approval
More public input will be gathered on their draft Climate Action Plan. Staff said changes in the earth's temperature will have impacts for Fremont that could include increased heat waves; increased annual rainfall of 20 to 30 percent leading to more serious storm events; rising sea levels that will threaten coastal infrastructure, ecosystems and water supplies; a decrease in the Sierra snowpack that will affect fresh water availability; an increase in insect-borne diseases; and impacts to public health. The Climate Action Plan is the city's guide toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by the year 2020
http://www.mercurynews.com/fremont/ci_19358948
San Jose envisions a better future
Despite struggling with budget deficits and a disappearing redevelopment agency, San Jose's leaders have taken the long view; on Nov. 1, they approved an ambitious and bold General Plan Envision 2040, which lays the foundation for San Jose to become a great, green city of the 21st century.
The city of Eugene, Oregon plans to cut fossil fuel consumption, including gasoline in half by 2030. 2004 -2010
The city saw sales of gas drop by 8 million gallons, or 11.3 percent. Bus and bike use is up, but some argue the city gas tax sends shoppers elsewhere. Many hold to the belief that local governments can encourage a change to burn less fossil fuels with the right local ordinances and sustainability taxes, especially when applied regionally.
http://www.registerguard.com/web/newslocalnews/27095118-41/eugene-gas-fuel-driving-percent.html.csp
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Legislation
Climate Talks: The Highlights Reel
The 194 nations that, for nearly 20 years, have been hashing out prospects for putting the brakes on global warming, are at it again - this time in Durban, South Africa. Whereas at one time the world was looking to the US for leadership on a climate solution, the theme of Week One appeared to be the emergence of the US as an obstructionist force in the process. click here for more information
U.N. Panel Finds Climate Change Behind Some Extreme Weather Events
At least some of the weather extremes being seen around the world are consequences of human-induced climate change and can be expected to worsen in coming decades, a United Nations panel reportedon Friday. click here for more information
On Our Radar: Weakening Brazil's Forest Protections
Brazil's Senate approves a controversial forestry bill supported by growers and ranchers that would relax limits on tree-cutting. If it becomes final, environmentalists say, the measure would undo recent progress in reining in the deforestation of the Amazon. Click here for more information
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Impacts
Do we have the technology to tackle global warming? Ask California.
The California Council on Science and Technology has determined after a two year study that California is close to meeting its goal of cutting its carbon emissions to 80% below the levels of 1990 by the year 2050 with existing technology. Only a few changes are needed to make this possible. California is a state that many others are watching closely for an example to follow.
for more information click here
Eight must have charts summarize the evidence for a "human fingerprint" on recent climate change
The Yale Project on Climate Change Communications asked Americans "If you had the opportunity to talk to an expert on global warming, which of the following questions would you like to ask?"
The top question, as reported in their "Global Warming's Six Americas in May 2011"report, is "How do you know that global warming is caused mostly by human activities, not natural changes in the environment?"
Click here for more information
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Economics
Why Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone is the Way to Make Change Happen
The annual workshops of SustainAbility's Engaging Stakeholders network took place recently. The theme for the workshops was "value." That is, how companies can derive greater business value from their sustainability communications and engagement, and how they can deliver greater value to stakeholders and society via their efforts.
One dominant thread emerged from these workshops: To create real business value from sustainability, and to have any chance at addressing the daunting challenges which face us, sustainability professionals must go beyond their comfort zones and do more to engage mainstream audiences and actors in their efforts.
http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2011/12/05/why-getting-out-your-comfort-zone-way-make-change-happen
Are Parks a Boon to State Economies?
Challenging the notion that protecting public land locks it up, more than 100 economists, including three Nobel laureates,are calling on the president and Congress to create more parks and other protected preserves in the West as a way to bolster state economies.
Six Climate Change-Related Events In The United States Accounted For About $14 Billion In Lost Lives And Health Costs
The future health costs associated with predicted climate change related events, such as hurricanes, heat waves, and floods, are projected to be enormous. This article estimates the health costs associated with six climate change related events that struck the United States between 2000 and 2009.
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Upcoming Events
Green Shanga mini retreat
January 30th 2012-cottage at Hap Magee Ranch in Danville
6:30-8:30 PM
Sustainable activism requires great skill and inner reserves. Even the most effective activist needs time to recharge deeply and completely. Join us for a miniretreat to renew your energy and your vision, enjoy the company of other ecoleaders, and inspire new possibilities.
http://greensangha.org
Earth Island Institute presentation and Discussion
Thursday, Dec 15 at David Brower Center, Berkeley CA
7:00p to 9:30PM
Peak Oil or Climate Emergency? We know we're in Big Trouble. But What Kind Exactly?click here for further information
Climate Change & Policy Update
Wednesday, Dec 21 at Hub SoMa, San Francisco CA
6:30p
This panel event will occur shortly after the conclusion of COP17/Durban and it is a perfect time to share climate policy information and reflect. Panelists will engage the audience and seek connection between individual and organizational engagement around policy and achieving equitable climate policy.
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Other
Transition US: Organizing a National Movement for More Sustainable Communities
The Transition Movement is a vibrant, grassroots movement that seeks to build community resilience in the face of such challenges as peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis. It is a loosely organized movement of groups organized at the local level for those who are committed to taking local actions that support more environmentally, economically and socially sustainable ways of operating. Independent local groups that share the same interests can affiliate with Transitions US and connect with the larger movement of like-minded folks. Benefits include a vibrant internet community and access to training, information, and other resources to support local work. Check out www.transitionus.org. Individuals can sign up on the Transitions US site and received updates on events and activities. There is also a set process through which local groups can formally join Transitions US.
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