Hedge manages the foundation’s Climate Initiative, a program to help government agencies, nonprofits, businesses and consumers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to prepare for climate change. The port will discuss a Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan that it is creating to develop strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, something scientists say contributes to climate change. The plan will serve as a guide for how the port will prepare for the possible impacts from climate change in its five member cities – San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach and Coronado.
Some scientists predict that a rise in sea level in the decades ahead would have impacts on those tideland areas. The port is creating the climate plan because of its role as an environmental steward of San Diego Bay. “Climate change is a global issue and affects everyone differently,” said Board of Port Commissioners Chairman Scott Peters. “The port is committed to addressing this issue for the San Diego Bay tidelands, and one strategy is through the Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan.”
The public workshop and community conversation is just a first step in the long-term process. Community members are invited to attend and learn about the impacts of climate change regionally and the importance of incorporating strategies for future planning. In addition, port representatives will outline the work that has begun on the preparation of the Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan (Climate MAP), along with next steps. The port would like to engage the public early in this process, in order to receive input at key points along the way.
The port’s climate change plan will be a critical tool for future planning and development along the shores of San Diego Bay – state tidelands that are administered by the Port of San Diego.
The plan will recommend ways to prepare for the predicted sea level rise, beach erosion and energy demand.
The plan’s preparation is expected to be a lengthy process, and the public will be asked to comment at several public meetings that will be scheduled.
Peters noted that by adopting a climate plan and other “green” initiatives, the Port is minimizing its environmental impact while preparing for the future.
“By preparing for anticipated changes, we will be protecting our property, saving money and safeguarding wildlife,” he said.
Federal agencies, along with some local cities, also are addressing climate change and its impact on their jurisdictions. The port is in contact with the agencies, including the U.S. Navy, to ensure a coordinated approach.
To assist the port in the development of the climate plan, its Environmental Advisory Committee has appointed a climate and energy working group, composed of local experts in the various related fields, such as climate change, energy, and wildlife. The experts include representatives from the Environmental Health Coalition, San Diego State University and the San Diego Foundation, who will help guide the preparation of the Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan
Several port employees, including environmental specialists and land use planners, are involved in developing the climate plan, with assistance from the working group. It will assess how climate change may affect port tidelands decades from now.