Services / Community Development / Sustainability / Climate Change

Climate Change

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Air pollution hovers at ground level with immediate health impacts, but greenhouse gasses rise into the atmosphere creating irreparable damage for generations to come. Air pollution has been directly linked to asthma and other health problems, especially in children. The Air Resources Board of California also has more information about the health effects of air pollution, which includes vehicle exhaust and household air quality.

Information in this section:

Carbon Calculator and Facts

Interested in finding out what your environmental impact is? Use one of the calculators below to find out what you are doing now and what you can change to help reduce your impact on our local and global climate.

What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our daily activities and lifestyle have on the environment and, in particular, climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for utilities, consumption, transportation, and other factors.

Each person has their own unique carbon footprint, a measure of how much CO2 a person emits per year. The average person emits 26 tons (measurement for CO2) of CO2 per year. The more electricity, gas, fuel, and natural resources you use per year, the higher your personal carbon footprint will be.

What is MY carbon footprint?

There are several carbon footprint calculators available to measure your impact on our climate. The following carbon footprint calculators estimate how many tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases your choices create each year.

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How is carbon produced?

Whenever we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas - in our factories, offices and vehicles - carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced. So the more that goes into the air, the more the world heats up. This change can look small, but it's enough to have a big effect. The three main ways that CO2 is produced is through deforestation, fossil fuels, and global warming. See the "How is Carbon Produced?" page for more info. There are many other ways that carbon is produced and many other compounds, such as methane from the cattle industry, that contribute to climate change as well.

What is carbon and why should I care?

Most of the world's leading scientists and politicians agree that 'greenhouse gases' are causing climate change. The most potent of these gasses is carbon dioxide (CO2). Increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 and methane are major drivers of climate change. Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe by mass after hydrogen, helium, and oxygen. It is present in all known life forms including the human body.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

  • Eat less meat & dairy. Make vegetarian meals a family tradition.
  • Compost your food scraps at home for your garden.
  • Pledge to ride your bike or carpool at least once per week.
  • Choose a carbon offset option with your next flight.
  • Check out the carbon footprint of your favorite stores and products.

Electrical Vehicle Charging

Electric Vehicle ChargingThe City has three electric vehicle charging areas with a total of five charging stations:

  • Downtown West Parking Garage, 340 Tyler Street; 2 Stations, Free 4 hour maximum parking.
  • Calle Principal Garage,440 Calle Prinicpal Street, 2 Stations, $0.75 per hour to park, 4 hour maximum.
  • On Pearl Street and Camino El Estero, next to the cemetery across from the Youth Center. (120 volt plug in)

Bike Locker Rentals

BikeBike lockers are available to rent at several public parking garages! Rent on a quarterly or monthly basis.

Learn about Bicycle Locker Rentals