Climate Change and the Importance of Green Space
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Douglas Melnick, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of San Antonio, presents these slides for TPR's Think Earth program, April 22, 2022.
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Climate Change and the Importance of Green Space
- 1. Climate Change and the Importance of Green Space Douglas Melnick Chief Sustainability Officer, City of San Antonio April 21, 2022
- 2. Temperature and CO2 Trends 2 7
- 3. San Antonio Climate Trends 3 7
- 4. Climate Hazards Facing CoSA Office of Sustainability 4 Resilience Economic growth and financial stability Human Health Ozone Extreme Heat & Cold Flooding Wildfires Mobility disruption Vector-borne diseases Workforce disruption Property damage Climate Hazards Impact Areas
- 5. Climate Projections & Impacts, End of Century 5 8 •More frequent and longer droughts Reduced water and food security •Increased risk of heat-caused illnesses Less time outdoors on hot days •Increased risk of severe weather and storms Increased cooling costs for homes and businesses Increased flooding Increased cold weather events
- 6. On June 22, 2017, City Council passed Resolution No. 2017-06-22-0031R in support of the Paris Climate Agreement, directing city staff to develop a plan to help San Antonio meet the objectives of this agreement. After extensive public input, City Council adopted the SA Climate Ready Plan by Ordinance 2019- 10-17-0840 on October 17, 2019. President Biden rejoined the accord on January 20, 2021. Paris Climate Agreement Office of Sustainability • Climate equity • Carbon neutral by 2050 • Climate adaptation • Reporting requirements Paris Climate Agreement Dec 12, 2015 SA City Council Resolution in Support of Paris Climate Agreement Jun 22, 2017 SA City Council Adopts CAAP Oct 17, 2019 Carbon neutral by 2050 CoSA’s Commitments President Biden rejoins Paris Climate Agreement January 30, 2021 SATomorrow Adopted Aug 11, 2016
- 7. SA Climate Ready addresses mitigation and adaptation 7 MITIGATION Actions to reduce or prevent emissions from greenhouse gases ADAPTATION Actions that help reduce the negative effects of climate change 7 “Ecosystem goods and services produce the many life-sustaining benefits we receive from nature—clean air and water, fertile soil for crop production, pollination, and flood control. These ecosystem services are important to environmental and human health and well-being, yet they are limited and often taken for granted.” (EPA)
- 8. The Value of Green Space: Mitigation 8 Office of Sustainability • Nonmotorized trails allow for carbon-free travel and reduced vehicle miles travelled (VMTs) • Plants and soils sequester carbon • There is an emerging scientific and economic filed of practice focused on maximizing natural carbon storage and placing a dollar value on that ecosystem service.
- 9. The Value of Green Space: Adaptation 9 Office of Sustainability • May help address climate inequities • Reduces Urban Heat Island Impact and mitigates extreme heat • Improves air quality • Absorbs stormwater and reduces impact and severity of flooding • Supports local food production • Supports biodiversity of flora and fauna • Provides recreational opportunities that helps reduce climate stress
- 10. Office of Sustainability 10 How Are We Doing? SanAntonio’s total community emissions decreased 0.2% between 2016 and 2019. We are here
- 11. San Antonio – We can do this! 11 Office of Sustainability CLEAN AIR PUBLIC HEALTH WATER QUALITY & CONSERVATION ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS & GOOD JOBS TRANSPORTATION CHOICES CLEAN & SECURE ENERGY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CLIMATEACTION IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST CLIMATECHANGE
- 12. Office of Sustainability Thank You! Learn more and act by visiting sasustainability.com
Editor's Notes
- We will also experience more severe weather events and increased severe flooding. While we look at these projections it is important to note that this is not simply about climate, but how it will impact. We are seeing climate impacts accelerate and they will be felt in San Antonio in may mays: We can expect impacts on: Air Quality and public health Increased energy costs associated with cooling our buildings Impacts on our Infrastructure Military preparedness and national security Bond Ratings and insurance rates, as well as Impacts on our world heritage sites.
- An additional 16% reduction is primarily due to the decrease in CPS Energy’s emissions factor.