Local Solutions to Global Problems
Local Solutions to Global Problems is a group of committed activists who share these goals:
Poster full of signatures at the end of StepItUp day
- To reduce greenhouse gas generation while increasing support of non-polluting energy use and development;
- To educate fellow citizens on the developing global warming and energy crises (such as peak oil), and about strategies other communities have developed which may increase our self-reliance in energy, water, and food;
- To propose and move forward positive initiatives addressing these and related issues within local governments and other local institutions;
- To build community connections that help people respond powerfully and intelligently to the challenges of a changing climate and energy supply.
We believe Santa Cruz County can take important steps towards reduction of CO2 emissions and greater sustainable energy use. Together we can achieve increased personal and community self-reliance, improved environmental quality, and more equitable social and economic conditions.
Why are we partnered with People Power?
Personal automobiles represent the single largest usage of fossil fuels in our city, county, and state. Some of the most important local solutions include sensible and environmentally friendly transportation systems—People Power's primary focus.
List of Accomplishments
The "Parks not Parking Spaces" park
at StepItUp day
- Providing input to the City of Santa Cruz General Plan Advisory Committee, resulting in the inclusion of good policies under the climate change goal;
- Organizing a large, multifaceted local downtown demonstration for StepItUp day 2007, promoting sustainable energy sources and faster government responses to global warming.
- Hosting public talks by peak oil expert Richard Heinberg, the Greywater Guerrillas, "Myths of Biofuels" speaker David Fridley, and others.
- Hosting public showings of educational films such as "The End of Suburbia" and "The Power of Community" (about Cuba's response to the loss of oil resources at the end of the Soviet era).
- Presenting programs on climate change to churches, synagogues, and other faith based organizations with connections to the theological imperatives for action. We have created a network of these congregations that are committed greening their sanctuaries, educating their congregations, and taking leadership in the community around this important issue.
If you would like to get involved with this campaign or learn more about what you can do locally, contact People Power at 425-0665, or email us at lsgp@peoplepowersc.org.
For Faith Based programs, contact Batya at lsgp-faith@peoplepowersc.org.