Regional Dashboard
Climate Change
CLIMATE-GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
WHAT IS THE MEASURE?
Per capita daily greenhouse gas emissions, measured in pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).*
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
- Scientists who study the Earth’s climate agree that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities are significantly increasing the natural greenhouse effect.
- Some parts of the world have already seen sea levels rise, crop production decrease, and new insect-borne diseases.
- Climate change could threaten San Diego’s quality of life by causing longer and more frequent droughts and placing human health at risk because of extreme heat episodes and increased infectious diseases.
- In some cases, our region must reduce greenhouse gas emissions to comply with new statewide and regional targets that have been set out in AB32 , the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, and SB 375.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
San Diego’s per capita greenhouse gas emissions have remained fairly flat since 1990 (with the exception of spikes in 2003 and 2007 due to wildfires in those years). 2007 emissions were at 78.6 pounds per person per day.
Under a business as usual scenario, by 2020 total greenhouse gas emissions in the region are projected to be 26% greater than 2006 levels yet new state legislation requires deep cuts in emissions, so we will need to take significant actions to reach our climate goals in the next decade.
*All greenhouse gasses, such as methane and nitrous oxide, are compared to C02 and measured in the equivalent amount of CO2 (C02e), in terms of their effect on trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
LINKS TO ACTION
Energy Policy Initiatives Center: Materials and resources for the public and public officials concerning energy use and policies. Here you can find papers and publications regarding energy use, energy-related legislation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The San Diego Foundation's Focus 2050 Study explores what the San Diego region will be like in the year 2050 if current trends continue, focusing on interrelated issues of climate change, sea level rise, land use, water, energy, public health, wildfires, biodiversity and habitat. There are links to action in the report.
http://www.sdfoundation.org/news/pdf/Focus2050glossySDF-ClimateReport.pdf
Helpful steps that San Diego residents can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
http://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Your-Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions
Information on hybrid cars and how they help to reduce gasoline use and cut emissions or carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
http://www.carsandmotos.com/how-hybrid-cars-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions
Information on actions you can take at home, at the office, on the road, or at school to lessen your greenhouse gas emissions, reduce air pollution, increase the nation's energy independence and save money.
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/index.html
Free online carbon footprint calculator for households and businesses. Here you will also find great resources for reducing carbon emissions through green energy, actions around the home, transportation, and recycling.
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx