Taking on a Global Role:

Working in Collaboration to Address Climate Change in California

Key Speakers

Neil Berg, Associate Director, UCLA Center for Climate Science

John Blue, Manager of Climate Programs, CalEPA

Nicole Capretz, Founder & Executive Director, Climate Action Campaign

Shivaji Deshmukh, Assistant General Manager (Acting Co-General Manager), West Basin Municipal Water District

Laurel Hunt, Executive Director, Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability

Bryn Lindblad, Associate Director, Climate Resolve

Alana Mathews, Public Adviser, California Energy Commission

Carolina Rodriguez, Community Choice Coordinator, Climate Action Campaign

Clark Stevens, Executive Officer, Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains

Overview

On the issue of climate change, California has undoubtedly challenged President Trump since his withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in June 2017. Significantly, according to the New York Times (May 2017), “California is emerging as the nation’s de facto negotiator with the world on the environment.” Under the leadership of Governor Jerry Brown, the state has recently (June 2017) signed agreements with both China and Germany, which expresses their continued commitment to working collaboratively with other countries to reduce the effects of climate change for future generations.

Moreover, in recent years California has recognised the importance of tackling climate change, although under the leadership of Governor Brown, California has been at the forefront of policies on pollution control and conservation. The state has enacted legislation, regulations and executive orders, all of which aim to respond to climate change. Most recently, in October 2015, the Senate passed the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act (SB 350), which established targets now contained within the Governor’s six key climate change strategies. These strategies are designed to achieve the vision of “reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030:”

• Increase renewable electricity production by 50%
• Reduce petroleum use by 50% in vehicles
• Double energy efficiency savings at existing buildings
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions  from natural and working lands
• Reduce short-lived climate pollutants
• Safeguard California

In addition, in February 2015, the California Environmental Protection Agency produced the Climate Change Research Plan for California, which illustrates the centrality of research to achieving the state’s targets and vision in response to climate change. The plan sets out the state’s climate-related research priorities, including monitoring, climate projections, GHG accounting, reducing GHG emissions, preparing for a changing climate, socio-economic effects and synergies.

This symposium will offer all those working towards reducing climate change, whether at the local, state or national level, the opportunity to assess California’s progress in achieving their strategies towards their vision to reduce greenhouse gases. Moreover, it will discuss California’s role as an important collaborator with both other states and countries following the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. The event will focus on development, shared experiences, lessons learned, challenges ahead, as well as the importance of partnership, research and innovation in reducing emissions and securing a sustainable future for all across the globe.

Delegates will: 

• Evaluate the potential for California to play an important role on the international stage through agreements, collaboration and innovation 
• Explore ways other states can learn from California’s climate change policies and strategies
• Gain insights into the value of research in responding to and reducing the effects of climate change
• Assess the role of businesses in building a clean energy economy, promoting renewable energy use and committing to reducing emissions
• Assess the social vulnerability to climate change across California and the needs of vulnerable communities
• Consider ways to increase the awareness and engagement of young people in preparing for climate change and securing a sustainable future
• Understand the role of community groups in tackling climate change at the local level
• Have the opportunity to interact with colleagues, share best practice and discuss lessons learned in overcoming challenges and looking towards the future in tackling climate change

Program

Who Should Attend?