www.cccclimateleaders.org
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.
A recently released report tracks a city’s progress on policy to address the climate crisis. The report challenges local governments to engage in discussion and identify creative ways to increase their standing on the list.
This ranking is a friendly competition that pits city against city, and encourages them to use their local authority to pass policies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and it encourages local leaders to drive residents and businesses to do the same.
1st Place: City of Richmond
The City of Richmond ranked the highest on a compilation of existing data based on 20 different policy and planning elements. Some of the important elements that put them in the lead include declaring a Climate Emergency, updating their General Plan and divesting from fossil fuels.
“The 4CL Report Cards are a reminder for Contra Costa leaders and residents of the hard work we’re collectively doing to reverse the disastrous effects of climate change”.
Mayor Tom Butt challenges all “Contra Costa cities to pass a resolution declaring a climate emergency. The time to act on this was yesterday!”
2nd Place: City of El Cerrito
The City of El Cerrito captured the second spot with the highest share of participation in 100% renewable energy in the MCE Deep Green program, and all-around leadership on environmental issues ranging from waste reduction to tree protection.
El Cerrito Mayor Paul Fadelli states that “the City of El Cerrito is excited to have been ranked 2nd on the list, but there’s more work to be done”.
Further Fadelli notes the El Cerrito has already declared a climate Emergency, and encourages other cities to do the same.
Mayor Fadelli invites all Cities: to join El Cerrito in opting up to 100% renewable energy and in pursuing an Expanded Food Ware Ordinance in 2021.
3rd Place: City of Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek, climbed to third place has proud points for the number of EV charging stations and more acres of Open Space per capita compared to the other cities.
Mayor Kevin Wilk States: “Walnut Creek has proudly been a leader in Climate Action for years, becoming one of the first cities to have all city-owned buildings be powered by 100% MCE Deep Green clean energy. One of our city priorities is updating our Climate Action Plan for 2030, which we will be receiving a status report during our February 16th meeting.
Mayor Wilk encourage all County cities: to put their own climate action plans into place, as we work to combat this existential crisis.
City of Martinez Responds!
The City of Martinez Mayor Rob Schroder states: “We are proud to be ranked in the top half of all cities in the County and at the same time realize we have a great chance to improve our scores and put some pressure on those cities at the top!
We gladly accept the challenge issued by Richmond’s Mayor Tom Butt.
Martinez agrees to discuss and consider the passage of a Declaration of Climate Emergency on a public meeting agenda in 2021.
Contact Your Elected Officials and Encourage Them to Accept This Challenge TODAY!
EVENT WEDNESDAY! February 24, 2021 5:00 – 6:30 PM PST Sign Up Here today!
There are 7 Local Governments in Contra Costa County updating their General Plans and Climate Action Plans right now! Please take the opportunity to get involved.
These plans are critical policy documents that set the direction for how municipalities will commit to addressing climate change.
Join this workshop to hear from Contra Costa County residents and grassroots organizations on the best ways to influence cities and increase their standing in the city scores! Register
*This is event is co-hosted by Greenbelt Alliance, Contra Costa County Climate Action Network (CAN), 350 Contra Costa, Contra Costa County Climate Leaders (4CL), Sierra Club, Save Mount Diablo, Save the Bay, Sustainable Contra Costa, Bay Area Green New Deal Alliance, East County Community Leaders and the Sunflower Alliance.*
