Abstract

Mayor Tom Bates embraced Berkeley citizens’ call to action and provided leadership in engaging the community in a local climate protection campaign. This plan is the result of the campaign that Measure G set in motion. It is rooted in the vision for a sustainable Berkeley that emerged from the climate action planning process. The plan’s purpose is to serve as a guide for setting the community on a path to achieve that vision.

Vision for the year 2050:

• New and existing Berkeley buildings achieve zero net energy consumption through increased energy efficiency and a shift to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
• Public transit, walking, cycling, and other sustainable mobility modes are the primary means of transportation for Berkeley residents and visitors.
• Personal vehicles run on electricity produced from renewable sources or other low-carbon fuels.
• Zero waste is sent to landfills.
• The majority of food consumed in Berkeley is produced locally, i.e., within a few hundred miles.
• Our community is resilient and prepared for the impacts of global warming.
• The social and economic benefits of the climate protection effort are shared across the community.