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AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Climate Change

Background
Climate Change, also known as global warming, is a serious matter. Documented impacts of climate change include rising sea levels, glacier retreat, shortening of frost seasons, and increases in precipitation, among other events.

In 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 32, a landmark law to combat global warming. It is a virtual consensus in the scientific community that climate change is being heavily influenced by the rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG), primarily atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Burning of fossil fuels, including oil, natural gas, gasoline and coal, is a major contributor to rising GHG levels.

Local, State, National and International Efforts
Climate Change is a national and international issue and efforts are being taken and actions implemented on many fronts. The list below shows some of the activities underway.

El Dorado County • On March 25, 2008, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors adopted the “Environmental Vision for El Dorado County” Resolution No. 29-2008, brought forward by the Youth Commission. The Resolution sets forth goals and calls for implementation of positive environmental changes to reduce global impact, improve air quality and reduce dependence on landfills, promote alternative energies, increase recycling, and encourage local governments to adopt green and sustainable practices.
Sacramento Area

• Climate Change Strategy Group: Charter members included the air districts of Sacramento Area, SMUD, California Air Resources Board (CARB), Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), City of Sacramento, and County of Sacramento. The purpose of the group is to begin a dialogue regarding what we can do to educate the public and implement specific GHG-reducing measures.

• SACOG Climate Change & Air Quality Committee. SACOG's involvement in the more traditional air quality issues of ozone and particulate matter has been a key work project for many years, therefore the issue of climate change is a timely one for SACOG. The Committee shall develop recommendations for the full SACOG Board of Directors relative to air quality, energy conservation, climate change and related issues.
State of California

• Climate Action Team To meet the state's greenhouse gas reduction targets, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger directed the Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) to coordinate with the Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency; Secretary of the Department of Food and Agriculture; Secretary of the Resources Agency; Chairperson of the Air Resources Board; Chairperson of the Energy Commission; and President of the Public Utilities Commission. The Secretary of CalEPA leads a Climate Action Team made up of representatives from the agencies listed above to implement global warming emission reduction programs and report on the progress made toward meeting the statewide greenhouse gas targets that were established in the executive order.

• CARB Climate Change Program summarizes efforts by CARB aimed at reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 - a reduction of about 25 percent, and then an 80 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2050. The main strategies for making these reductions are outlined in the Scoping Plan .

• California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, which represents all 35 local air district agencies, recently published a white paper and a resource guide titled CEQA & Climate Change to support local governments as they develop programs and policies around climate change issues.

• California Climate Change Registry (CCAR) helps companies and organizations in California to establish GHG emissions baselines against which any future GHG emission reduction requirements may be applied.

National Efforts, Other States, and Organizations

• National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA) maintains a listing of state actions and documents on Climate Change issues.

• Pew Center on Global Climate Change maintains addition information on states activities addressing climate change

• US EPA Climate Change home page offers comprehensive information on the issue of climate change in a way that is accessible and meaningful to communities, individuals, business and governments.

• US Climate Action Partnership A group of businesses and environmental organizations promoting national legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

International

• International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives International Council (ICLEI).

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

What You Can Do
You can make an important personal choice to reduce your GHG emissions. The Union of Concerned Scientists lists ten smart choices:

Use the most fuel efficient vehicle you can
Choose clean power.
Purchase Energy Star appliances.
Unplug an unused or limited use freezer.
Get a home energy audit.
Use energy-saving light bulbs
Don't drive alone - carpool, walk, or take the bus!
Buy wood from sustainable forests.
Plant a tree.
Let policymakers know you are concerned about Climate Change.

You can calculate what is known as your "Carbon Footprint". This is the amount of GHG you produce in units of CO2. Once you have calculated your Carbon Footprint you can take steps to reduce it and/or offset it. Web sites that offer calculation tools and more suggestions for reducing and offsetting include the following: