A Sustainable San Diego: Realizing the County’s Climate Goals
San Diego is making significant strides towards a sustainable future.
The city’s climate action plan outlines a series of ambitious goals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing community resilience. Here’s a closer look at San Diego’s five key climate goals and how you can contribute:
Divert 90% of Landfill Waste by 2035 ♻️
Resilience theme: Waste
Target: Achieve a 90% diversion rate of waste from landfills through composting and reusable practices.
Why it matters: Landfills contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. By focusing on waste diversion, San Diego aims to reduce pollution and enhance resource recovery.
How you can help:
Compost your food scraps and yard waste.
Choose reusable options over single-use products.
Recycle your e-waste rather than throwing it out.
Source 50% of Water Locally by 2035 💧
Resilience theme: Water Independence
Target: Source 50% of San Diego’s water locally, reducing dependence on imported water.
Why it matters: Local water sourcing enhances resilience against supply uncertainties and supports sustainability. By investing in local water projects like Pure Water San Diego, the city aims to secure a reliable water future.
How you can help:
Take short shower (5 minutes or less!) to conserve water.
Install low flow equipment like faucet aerators and showerheads.
Install rain barrels or cisterns to capture and use rainwater.
Transition to 100% Renewable Energy by 2030 🌞
Resilience theme: Renewable Energy
Target: Shift to 100% renewable energy sources by 2030, including increased solar installations.
Why it matters: Moving to renewable energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. This transition involves significant investments in solar and other renewable technologies.
How you can help:
Join Ohm Connect to help keep the grid clean (and save money!)
Consider installing solar panels on your property, or join a community solar farm.
Increase Tree Canopy Cover by 35% 🌳
Resilience theme: Urban Cooling
Target: Expand San Diego’s tree canopy to cover 35% of urban areas, reducing 102,290 MT of greenhouse gases.
Why it matters: Trees provide vital shade, reduce heat islands, and improve air quality. Enhancing tree cover will help cool the city and support public health.
How you can help:
Request a street tree through Free Tree SD.
Participate in local tree-planting events and support green space initiatives.
Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) by 15% by 2035 🚲
Resilience theme: Renewable Energy
Target: Lower VMT by 15% to contribute to net zero emissions by 2035.
Why it matters: Reducing vehicle use cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality. Enhancing public transit and bike infrastructure supports this goal.
How you can help:
Take public transit or ride your bike instead of driving.
Explore options for electric vehicles and advocate for improved transit infrastructure.
San Diego's climate goals reflect a commitment to building a more sustainable, resilient city. By taking individual actions and supporting citywide initiatives, you can contribute to a greener future for all. Together, let’s make San Diego a model of climate action and sustainability!