Tag Archives: Climate Emergency

In Landmark Climate Ruling, European Court Faults Switzerland

By Isabella Kwai and Emma Bubola | April 9, 2024 | The New York Times

Experts said it was the first time an international court determined that governments were legally obligated to meet their climate targets under human rights law.

…

“It is the first time that an international court has affirmed clearly that a climate crisis is a human rights crisis,” said Joie Chowdhury, a senior lawyer with the Center for International Environmental Law, an international group that voiced its support for KlimaSeniorinnen’s case.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/09/world/europe/climate-human-rights.html

ECOS Climate Committee meeting 11/16/2023

ECOS Climate Committee meeting
Thursday, November 16, 2023 – 6 PM start (Zoom)
Link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6656164155
To phone in: 669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 665 616 4155

6:00 PM: Welcome and Introductions

6:10 PM: Timothy Irvine-Alavi (Chair, Sacramento County Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force) –
will report on the Task Force’s progress on recommendations to County Supervisors to be presented this winter. These result from their Energy Technical Advisory Panel (especially existing building electrification), their Transportation Technical Advisory Panel, and their Outreach and Education Subcommittee.

6:40 PM: Tamie Dramer (Executive Director, Organize Sacramento) –
will present polling results for a possible November 2024 ballot initiative for affordable housing.

7:00 PM: Updates and Announcements

  1. Caltrans has started construction on the I-80 Yolo Causeway between Sacramento and Davis. On Monday, Nov. 13, Caltrans is scheduled to release a draft EIR (Environmental Impact Report) for the larger project – Adding lanes to the causeway. Let’s discuss possible comments due next month.
  2. Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Plan, Nov. 9 joint meeting SACOG, SMUD, SMAQMD, SacRT boards: to secure $ billions for climate initiatives (like ZEV deployment). Pre-proposal due Feb. 1, 2024 to US EPA. (e.g.: forest biomass conversion to green hydrogen fuel and sequestered biochar)
  3. New ECOS contract with SacRT for Educational Outreach and Communication Support Services

Click here to view the agenda in PDF.

Join the Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force at Upcoming Technical Advisory Panel Meetings

Greetings community members,

You are invited to join the Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force (CEMTF) at their upcoming Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) meetings. Your valuable insights and ideas will help us shape Sacramento County’s Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP) to address and adapt to climate change equitably.

The events are free and open to the public. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. We will also have a limited number of compost pails and 4-quart sample bags of compost to give away!

If you cannot attend in person, you can join us via Zoom (See links below). Please note that there is no need to RSVP for this event. However, if you wish to inform us of your attendance for food headcount, feel free to send an email to ghazankhan2[at]gmail[dot]com with your name and organization (if applicable).

The sessions will be excellent opportunities to engage with the Task Force and have your voice heard. These meetings will center around Transportation, at the following dates and locations:

  • September 2, 2023, 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. at North Highlands-Antelope Library, 4235 Antelope Rd, Antelope, CA 95843 (Available via Zoom)
  • September 9, 2023, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Elk Grove Library, 8900 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624 (Available via Zoom)
  • September 9, 2023, 1:30 – 4 p.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 7340 24th St Bypass, Sacramento, CA 95822 (Available via Zoom)
  • For more information about the CEMTF and our other upcoming meetings, please visit the Green Sacramento County Website.

We look forward to meeting you and hearing your valuable insights as we work together to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient Sacramento County.

Sincerely,

Timothy Irvine Chair of the Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force

Sacramento County doesn’t postpone 2030 climate goal — for now

Kristin Lam | July 12, 2023 | Capital Public Radio

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday didn’t postpone a carbon neutrality goal after dozens of climate activists pushed back against proposed changes.

County staff had recommended the board change the goal from 2030 to no later than 2045 in order to match state plans, make the timeline more achievable and reduce the risk of lawsuits.

Instead of approving or rejecting the suggested update, the board asked staff to present another version of the climate emergency declaration in late September or early October. In a 3-1 vote, with Supervisor Sue Frost abstaining, the board requested revisions including adding a requirement to measure progress on reducing emissions every five years.

Click here to read or listen to the full article.

Sacramento County Climate Emergency Resolution Update – Outcome

On July 11, 2023, the Sacramento County Planning and Environmental Review staff presented a recommendation to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors to amend the Climate Emergency Resolution to be consistent with the State’s 2045 carbon neutrality goal.

You can watch a recording of the July 11 Sac County Board of Supervisors meeting here: https://agendanet.saccounty.gov/BoardOfSupervisors/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=7961&doctype=1. The Climate Emergency Resolution Update presentation (Item 72) starts at 6 hours into the video.

Read a summary of the outcome by Capital Public Radio here: Sacramento County doesn’t postpone 2030 climate goal — for now.