Through cross-sector collaboration, research and strategic grantmaking, The San Diego Foundation plays a catalytic role in promoting regional action on climate change.
Alongside our partners, we have provided all local municipalities in the region with climate action planning technical assistance.
As a result, San Diego is one of the first regions in the U.S. with a complete greenhouse gas emission inventory, and now more than two-thirds of the region’s cities have adopted or are working on climate action plans.
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Supporting Municipal Efforts
The process of planning for and growing more resilient against climate change is complex.
For example, cities must analyze data to project greenhouse gas emissions years into the future, plot reduction targets and identify the best strategies to meet long-term goals.
To do this, local leaders rely on a breadth of research and tools to develop the most effective strategy that maintains and even improves the vibrant quality of life we have all come to cherish.
One such tool that San Diego decisionmakers rely on is the Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC) Climate Planning Model.
Funded by The San Diego Foundation, the model has been used to assist local governments in the San Diego region with development of climate action plans. The resource estimates emissions reductions for a range of measures, including energy efficiency, public transit, electric vehicles, telecommuniting, and more.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Category – San Diego County (2010).
As more and more local governments are developing plans to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to levels consistent with those included in California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), this model has been integral in building a framework that plans for the future.
Planning for the Future
San Diego as a whole is leading by example and showing other cities nationwide how to build effective climate action plans.
Most notably, the City of San Diego Climate Action Plan and City of Chula Vista Water Stewardship Plan have been recognized on both local and global levels for their leadership in the area.
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In partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and The Funder’s Network Partners for Places Grants Program, The San Diego Foundation supported the development of the City of Chula Vista Water Stewardship Plan, which was adopted in 2016.
This innovative plan assesses near and long-term opportunities to enhance water efficiency and reuse greywater, stormwater and wastewater for community and municipal use. The plan also provides a strategy for engaging residents, businesses and local government in managing increased water demand and protecting precious water resources.
Philanthropy at Work
The San Diego, 2050 Is Calling. How Will We Answer? Report, developed by The San Diego Foundation and Climate Education Partners, provides science-based information related to the impacts of climate change affecting the San Diego region and shares a wide range of practical opportunities for local leaders to explore.
Today, that data and information, along with numerous other reports, technical assistance projects and partnerships, has enabled the San Diego region and its public officials to better address and prepare for the impacts of a changing climate.
Climate change remains a pressing challenge for our region, and philanthropy is working side-by-side with local leaders and stakeholders to develop plans and frameworks that mitigate its effects.
Invest in the Future of San Diego
How is your community preparing for climate change? What actions can San Diegans take to support those efforts? Let us know in the comments below!
What actions can San Diegans take to support those efforts?