The County of San Diego Climate Action Plan (CAP) contains a series of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next 30 years. These measures are administered through multiple County departments and focus on activities that occur within the unincorporated area and emissions associated with operating County facilities across the region.
CAP was originally released in 2018 and is currently being updated by the County of San Diego.
Climate change is a global issue that must be counteracted through consistent and progressive local action. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have contributed to record-breaking heat waves, drought, tree loss, and some of the most intense wildfire seasons ever documented. Extreme weather conditions are occurring around the globe, including hurricanes and floods, with deadly repercussions.
“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions locally benefits the environment, the economy, and creates a cleaner community for us all to thrive in,” said Kelly Bray, Chief, Departmental Operations for Sustainability Planning for the County of San Diego’s Land Use and Environment Group.
One of the greatest impacts of climate change, though often overlooked, is connected to our food system. “Increasing the resiliency of our local food system in a changing climate supports the local economy and ensures the availability of healthy food for everyone in our community,” Bray said.
The CAP supports resilience in the food system by implementing measures that preserve agricultural lands, maintain healthy soils, and increase consumption of locally grown and raised food.
“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by implementing the CAP reduces the severity of global climate change effects that impact our food system, including increasing temperatures and wildfire risk and a decrease in water supply,” she said.
As a result of the Climate Action Plan, 130,075 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions were reduced in 2019.
“The Climate Action Plan strives to achieve a more sustainable future for San Diego County,” says Bray. “Local and regional governments play an important role in leading efforts to reduce climate change and increasing the resilience of food systems.”
Nicole Paul is the former Program Manager within the County of San Diego's Food System Initiative. Nicole's leadership within the County's LEUG department has been critical in moving Food Vision 2030 forward, and garnering support from the County Board of Superviors and other agency leadership.
Rebeca Appel is the Food System Initiative Program Coordinator within the County of San Diego's Land Use & Environment Group (LUEG). Rebecca was previouslty a Graduate Student worker and Management Fellow within the LUEG Executive Office, supporting with development of the State of the Food System report.
Kelly Bray is the Chief of Sustainabiliy Planning for the County of San Diego. She has over a decade of experience in the environmental and planning fields, and has prepared environmental review documentation for many diverse and high-profile projects. At the County of San Diego, Kelly is instrumental in developing and implementing County iniatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as the Climate Action Plan.
