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Abstract

The City of San Rafael's Climate Change Action Plan describes the city's efforts to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.  Mayor Al Boro was one of the initial signers of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Projection Agreement in 2005, pledging the city to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol. To meet these goals, the City Council appointed a 16-member Green Ribbon Committee to lead a community process to prepare a plan to guide both the city organization and the entire community in responding to climate change.  This Plan is the result of that community effort. 

Specific adaptation recommendations include: to monitor sea-level rise and plan for shoreline defense; to increase understanding and preparation for climate change; and to increase community education and the commitment towards sustainability efforts in San Rafael.  The chapter “Our Environment” includes recommendations for adapting to sea-level rise, increasing local crop production, participating in the Marin regional vulnerability assessment, and creating a local vulnerability assessment.