Climate Change

Local land use decisions are the single most effective tool for reducing global warming

The built environment makes up a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions when taking into account both transportation and electricity.

Studies have shown that by creating, mixed-use, walkable communities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

There is a huge opportunity to improve the built environment with the majority of development expected to be on the ground in 2050 not yet built.

Research shows that technological improvements are not enough. If population and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) continue to increase as projected, VMT will overwhelm improvements to vehicles and fuel.

We must turn to smarter growth.

The 1991 Ahwahnee Principles for Resource-Efficient Communities which form the basis for the Local Government Commission's work on livable, sustainable communities provide a blueprint for elected officials to create compact, mixed-use, walkable, transit-oriented development in their local communities. The LGC also released the Ahwahnee Principles for Climate Change (PDF) in 2008.

Climate Change covers many issues and will require a comprehensive approach.

Resources

• Case Studies
• Implementing AB 32
• Other Resources

Local Climate Change Adaptation Reports

• Fresno
• San Luis Obispo
• Adaptation Strategies Across Socioeconomic and Natural Systems in Fresno and San Luis Obispo Counties

For more information, select a topic on the right.