Imagine walking through your neighborhood on a sunny afternoon – the air is fresh, the tree leaves are blowing in the wind and children are playing outside.
Yet, our region faces multiple threats with climate change, such as rising temperatures and increasing pollution that threatens our local communities.
There is an opportunity to transform our region to be more resilient. As a community, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future through the practice of green energy to ensure future generations can thrive.
Defining Green Energy
Green energy, also known as renewable energy, comes from natural resources and is replenished more quickly than it is consumed.
For example, renewable energy sources like solar and wind can reduce air pollution by generating electricity without emitting harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. This reduction in air pollution leads to improved health and a safer environment.
Other forms of green energy include hydropower, geothermal, biomass (renewable organic material from plants and animals) and biofuels.
Benefits of Green Energy
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, renewable energy offers environmental and economic benefits like:
- Producing energy that releases no greenhouse gases from fossil fuels and minimizes some types of air pollution.
- Diversifying sources of energy and reducing dependence on imported fuels.
- Creating economic development and job opportunities in manufacturing, installation and other sectors.
- Reducing energy costs.
These benefits highlight the importance of communities adopting sustainable practices and policies. In response to this need, local governments and organizations are implementing transformative strategies. One example is the city of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan.
Programs Supporting Renewable Energy in San Diego
According to a recent report, the city of San Diego currently generates a respectable percentage of its electricity from renewable resources — over 43% — and is leading the country in the number of solar panel installations per capita. Due to these environmentally sustainable efforts, San Diego is the “greenest,” or most environmentally sustainable city in the United States.
The city of San Diego is creating a more sustainable place to live, work and play by developing the 2022 Climate Action Plan (CAP), which builds upon the 2015 Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The 2022 CAP set up a community goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2035.
This will improve the air we breathe, local communities and the overall quality of life for all San Diegans. The city of San Diego is leading the way and is working towards a cleaner future by transitioning all the city’s facilities to San Diego Community Power’s 100% renewable energy service.
San Diego Community Power (Community Power) is a community-driven, not-for-profit public agency that provides cleaner energy to the San Diego region. The organization serves nearly 1 million customer accounts in the San Diego, Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa and National City areas, as well as the unincorporated communities of San Diego County. Community Power is committed to entirely clean and renewable electricity by 2035 or sooner.
The Climate Action Plan sets ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy use. However, achieving these targets requires collaboration and support from other organizations in the community. This is where initiatives such as the Climate Initiative at San Diego Foundation (SDF) play a significant role.
The Climate Initiative at SDF
SDF created the Climate initiative in 2006 to support organizations that build equitable climate resilience through research, education, community engagement and programs that help historically underserved communities and low-income, climate-vulnerable populations.
In 2023, SDF teamed up with Community Power to establish the Community Clean Energy Grant Program. In February 2024, SDF and Community Power launched the second round of the program and awarded over $1 million in grant funding to support new and existing climate-focused nonprofit projects and programs.
“Through this expanded partnership, we’re able to have a greater influence on San Diego’s ability to survive and thrive through the challenges of future climate change,” said Mark Stuart, San Diego Foundation president and CEO.
As of August 2024, we have awarded over $1.2 million to 15 organizations that offer climate-focused projects that move communities towards a healthier, more sustainable, clean energy future. These efforts enhance the resilience of our environment and uplift the communities most affected by climate change. By investing in innovative solutions and fostering collaboration, we can create lasting change to ensure that all San Diegans enjoy a greener and cleaner future.
Whether you’re an individual looking to support local initiatives, a business interested in sustainable practices, or a community member eager to learn more, your involvement can make a difference.
