Local Solutions to Global Problems
In May 2006, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to prepare for a worldwide decline in oil production (known as "peak oil") and skyrocketing fuel prices. On July 28, the San Francisco Local Agency Formation Committee (LAFCo) responded to the resolution with a citywide hearing to further examine the potential catastrophic effects of peak oil on San Francisco and the region. Both peak oil and global warming threaten to have significant impacts on Bay Area economies.
Other American cities that have already passed peak oil resolutions include Portland, Oregon; Bloomington, Indiana; and Franklin, New York. Santa Cruz is poised to be the next community to pass such a resolution. Many items included in model peak oil resolutions are consistent with work that has already begun in Santa Cruz. Locally, People Power and Ecology Action are doing important work to make it easier for Santa Cruz citizens to make important transportation choices that reduce reliance on automobiles and fossil fuels.
In addition, Santa Cruz has already signed the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement and joined the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), and has been taking important steps to reduce C02 emissions since 1989. Other examples of local solutions include:
- Constructed a co-generation system at the city's wastewater treatment plant that generates heat and electricity from digester gas,
- Installed solar photovoltaic systems on three city facilities,
- Replaced over 1,600 lamps in traffic signals with energy efficient light emitting diode (LED) lamps, and;
- Implemented water conservation programs with city water customers.
Local Solutions to Global Problems (LSGP) is a group of individuals from a variety of backgrounds who are working to address the issues of global climate change and energy vulnerability from a local angle. LSGP supports continued research, education, and policies already underway in the local government, business, and private sectors. LSGP is committed to supporting local officials and citizens in responding to these challenges through education and public awareness.
For more information on LSGP and how to get involved, email Mary at mayadolphin@hotmail.com or call Micah at 425-0665.