Community Convergence for Climate Action a Huge Success!
We collected hundreds of signatures for our petition calling on Oakland City Council to enact our policies, but we still need more! Sign on to make your voice heard!
More than 400 people came out to the Community Convergence for Climate Action hosted by the Oakland Climate Action Coalition (OCAC) to celebrate local climate solutions that can make Oakland a model green city. The event included live green hip hop, a theatrical performance on climate by high school-aged youth, and a report-back from Oakland community residents who attended climate workshops in the flat lands of East and West Oakland. At the event, those most impacted by climate change showcased solutions to the climate crisis that would address their needs.
"While the federal government drags its feet on climate legislation, communities like Oakland are stepping up and taking action to clean our air, create green jobs, and improve public health," said Emily Kirsch, of the Ella Baker Center's Green-Collar Jobs Campaign, which convenes the Oakland Climate Action Coalition.
Earlier this year, the City of Oakland decided to develop an Energy and Climate Action Plan (ECAP) to reduce green house gas emissions and fight global warming. In response, green businesses, labor unions, environmental groups and community based organizations have come together to form the Oakland Climate Action Coalition.
"Protecting our climate helps jump-start our local green economy by creating new business opportunities in local food, clean energy, improved transit, and sustainable construction," said Mari Rose Taruc, of the Asian Pacific Environmental Network on the Steering Committee for the Oakland Climate Action Coalition.
The Coalition celebrated its first victory toward meeting unprecedented climate goals (reducing Oakland emissions to 36% below 2005 levels by 2020, and to 85% below 2005 levels by 2050) when Oakland City Council unanimously approved the targets as part of the city's Energy & Climate Action Plan. To meet these goals, OCAC is working with community members and the City to develop landmark solutions that benefit all Oakland residents. At the Community Convergence for Climate Action, this cross-sector coalition presented and celebrated real climate solutions for all of Oakland.
In the coming months, the Oakland Climate Action Coalition will be rallying the City Council for a vote in favor of adoption and implementation of these model policies for climate justice in our City.
Oakland Climate Action Coalition
Photos from the Community Convergence for Climate Action
