Earth Day 2008 and the Climate Action Program

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
809 Center St,. Room 107, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
climatechange@ci.santa-cruz.ca.us

PRESS RELEASE

April 11, 2008
CONTACT:  Ross Clark
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            
Climate Action Coordinator
(831) 420-5113

On Earth Day 2008, the Climate Action Program is rolling out resources to help families and businesses adopt their own Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy

The City of Santa Cruz has reduced its municipal greenhouse gas emissions by 40% since 2000 (now equal to 1990 levels).  The City is now rolling out a set of resources to help the entire community reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.   

In 2006 Santa Cruz adopted the Climate Action Declaration with the following objectives:

•  Cut greenhouse gases 30% by 2020 (compared to 1990 levels)
•  Cut Greenhouse Gases 80% by 2050 (compared to 1990 levels)
•  All new buildings to be carbon neutral by 2030

Key programs responsible for the 40% reduction in municipal emissions include the investments in building efficiency, installation of 120 kW of solar panels, expanded waste reduction programs and investments in fuel efficient vehicles.  

Now, in time for Earth Day, the Climate Action Program is rolling out resources to help families and businesses adopt their own Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy to reduce their contribution to climate change, shrink their “Carbon Footprint” and save money.  Climate Action Program materials include a new city web site for climate change, a County Library book display on climate change, and a new Green Team program designed to help community groups reduce their Carbon Footprint 30% by 2020 and track their success in relation to their peers and other cities.  

Information on these programs and the status of the Climate Action Plan will be available at the city Earth Day table on April 27, at the Lincoln and Cedar Parking Lot in downtown Santa Cruz.