Santa Cruz picks marine scientist to be global warming chief

An expert in protecting marine life and water quality who was turned onto a career in science after a high school field trip to Point Lobos near Carmel has been hired to help the city combat climate change.

Ross Clark, an environmental scientist for the local office of the California Coastal Commission, will work part time as Santa Cruz's first ever climate change coordinator.

The temporary position, with a salary of $30,000, was created as part of Santa Cruz's updated general plan -- a state-mandated guide for future land-use decisions. The new general plan, still in the works and expected to be approved in fall 2008, puts heavy emphasis on reducing greenhouse emissions and getting the community and developers involved in cleaning up the environment. A top goal is to cut greenhouse gases 80 percent by 2050.

It's Clark's job to come up with an action plan to meet those goals.

"I came to the conclusion a year ago that climate change is one of the most important environmental issues to be tackling," Clark said. "This is exactly the type of work I do. I'm passionate about something I think we can achieve."

Clark, 40, said he wants to motivate Santa Cruzans to make "energy-conscientious decisions" with programs like cash rebates for buying fluorescent light bulbs, discounted bus passes and free downtown parking for electric cars. And he wants to encourage more developers to use solar panels for generating energy and find ways for carbon neutral design.

Aldo Giacchino of the local chapter of the Sierra Club said Clark's job should focus on how waste is disposed and how the city's landfill on Dimeo Lane can cut back on energy use.

"In the city's building code there are lots of things to be done to reduce energy consumption," Giacchino said. "I think there is a lot of room to look at if are doing the maximum to minimize our impacts on the environment."

Planning Director Greg Larson said Clark was chosen from 28 applicants because of his "strong scientific background" and extensive knowledge of coastal and river issues.

"He brings a depth of science experience to grapple with the issues like sea level rise, potential flooding, reduced water supplies and increased storm events," Larson said.

Kaitilin Gaffney of the Ocean Conservancy and a former Santa Cruz planning commissioner, believes Clark is "an excellent choice."

"He's very capable of pulling together the puzzle pieces of science, public policy and community input necessary to come up with an effective plan," she said.

At the Coastal Commission, Clark is a principal investigator responsible for water quality and wetland restoration program development. He works on projects designed to expand the state's capacity to improve water quality and wetland habitat.

Clark, who drives a Honda CRV, has lived in Santa Cruz for eight years with his wife and two young daughters. He'll split his time between the Coastal Commission and the city. He begins Nov. 4.