Climate Change

Page Contents
	Background
	AQMD Actions
	Local, State, National and International Efforts
	What You Can Do

Climate Change, also known as global warming, is a serious matter.  Documented impacts of climate change include rising sea levels, glacier retreat, shortening of frost seasons, and increases in precipitation, among other events. 

In 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 32, a landmark law to combat global warming.  He said, "We simply must do everything in our power to slow down global warming before it's too late."

It is a virtual consensus in the scientific community that climate change is being heavily influenced by the rising concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG), primarily atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.  Burning of fossil fuels, including oil, natural gas, gasoline and coal, is a major contributor to rising GHG levels.

We at the AQMD are committed to do our part in reducing our GHG emissions by reducing energy use at our offices and doing our part to reduce the vehicle miles traveled by our employees on a daily basis.

Program Development - October 27, 2005 the AQMD Board of Directors authorized staff to develop an AQMD Climate Protection Program that would include outreach and education, data collection and analysis, and provide support and leadership for local, state, and national efforts to reduce emissions.

California Climate Action Registry (CCAR) - The AQMD joined the Registry in March of 2006.  The Registry consists of organizations that are voluntarily taking actions to reduce greenhouse gases they emit. Among the required actions are annually tracking, reporting and certifying their own GHG emissions.

Climate Change Protection Program - The AQMD Board of Directors adopted the Climate Change Protection Program on March 23, 2006.  The Program addresses climate change within the context of the District’s air quality mission.

Greenergy® member - The AQMD subscribes to this SMUD program which matches electricity use with renewable electricity sources.

Clean Vehicles - Most of the AQMD's vehicles are hybrids.  Employees regularly use these vehicles to conduct air quality inspections at the sites we regulate.  We even have an employee who walks to inspection sites whenever possible.

Alternate transportation policies - The AQMD provides incentives to employees to commute using public transit, car or van pools, and bicycles or by walking.  Over 70% of our employees regularly use one of these modes instead of driving alone.

Climate Change is, of course, a national and international issue and has developing efforts on many fronts.  The list below shows some of the activities underway.

You can make an important personal choice to reduce your GHG emissions.  The Union of Concerned Scientists web site lists ten smart choices:

• Use the most fuel efficient vehicle you can
• Choose clean power.
• Look for Energy Star in appliances.  
• Unplug an unused or limited use freezer.
• Get a home energy audit.
• Use energy-saving light bulbs
• Don't drive alone - carpool, walk, or take the bus!
• Buy good wood.
• Plant a tree.
• Let policymakers know you are concerned about Climate Change.

You can calculate what is known as your "Carbon Footprint".  This is the amount of GHG you produce in units of CO2.  Once you have calculated your Carbon Footprint you can take steps to reduce it and/or offset it.

Web sites that offer calculation tools and more suggestions for reducing and offsetting include the following:

• US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works - Global Warming Footprint Calculator
• Take Action - Calculate Your Impact
• Safe Climate Calculator
• Native Energy Calculator