Climate Protection Campaign

With less than 5% of the world’s population, the US produces more than 25% of the global greenhouse gas emissions, and those emissions continue to grow.  We believe that US cities can, and should act to reduce green house gas emissions.  Many cities are already doing so through programs such as energy conservation, urban forest restoration, control of sprawl and the use of alternative fuels in their fleets.  Not only are they reducing their contributions to global warming pollution, they are investing in more livable cities through cleaner air, creation and preservation of open space, and reduced energy costs, at the same time, saving the taxpayers’ money.

Please join the mayors who are already committed to providing leadership on this nation-wide, urgent effort.  Since Seattle’s Mayor, Greg Nickels first announced this initiative on February 16, 2005, the interest and positive feedback have remained intense, including national news stories.  As of this writing, more than 800 mayors, including seven in Orange County (Aliso Viejo, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, and Santa Ana) have signed the Climate Protection Agreement.  This is an opportunity to build on what is becoming an increasingly bi-partisan issue.  Moreover, it is an opportunity to provide real leadership to the more than 80% of Americans who think the US should be acting to reduce global warming pollution.

Enclosed, please find the draft resolution, which includes the Climate Protection Agreement, drafted by the US Conference of Mayors, as well as form for your signature.  For more information, please visit the Climate Action web page at http://seattle.gov./climate/govResources.htm.  On this site, you will find the Climate Action Handbook, a resource guide on climate protection.  Intended for signatories of the US Mayors Agreement but applicable to cities and towns across the country, the handbook showcases climate protection policies, actions, tools and best practices.

If more cities, such as the city of Costa Mesa, offered fee waivers for those adding green technology, such as solar panels, to their homes, Orange County’s green house gas emissions could be significantly reduced, thus improving air quality.  Costa Mesa is working with Con Edison to develop green alternatives, with the aim of receiving some incentives and rate reductions that may accompany their efforts.

Although there have been climate protection resolutions adopted by the US Council of Mayors’ in prior years, you will see that they are urging specific actions—the only way we will make real progress in reversing the trend toward global warming.  Mayoral support for the protection agreement is a step toward helping restore the Earth’s environment through legislation.  Thank you so much for your kind cooperation.

Download the Orange County Interfaith Coalition for the Environment's Climate Protection Agreement.

Help OCICE by speaking to your City Council. Contact Us to let us know what city you live in and when you would like to address your City Council. A representative will contact you to review the information you will need in order to address the council.

The Catholic Church adds "Thou Shall Not Pollute the Earth" as a new sin.

Southern Baptist Leaders Shift Position on Global Climate Change

Guidelines: Greening your house of worship.

Guidelines: Greening your home.

Recommended Reading

"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed.

Mahatma Ghandi

Tip of the Month

Plan a Green Halloween! 

Tip One:  Rather than purchasing a Halloween costume that will more than likely only be worn once, get creative.  Look through your closet or attic for old clothing that can be made into a costume.  Maybe that old plaid flannel shirt and those holey jeans will make a good scarecrow costume for your trick or treater or as a porch decoration.  Do you have any 1980’s clothing still sitting around - how about planning a retro theme? 

Tip Two:  Don’t waste your pumpkin when making a jack-o-lantern.  Use the meat of the pumpkin to make pies or muffins.  Bake the seeds for a healthy snack.  When the jack-o-lantern has seen its last days, compost it rather than throwing it in the garbage. 

Tip Three:  Don’t go overboard with the candy.  All too often, kids go home with their treat bags overflowing with candy that more often than not, gets thrown away, creating even more waste!  Purchase Fair Trade, Organic candy; it’s better for the farmers, the trick or treaters, and the planet.

Tip Four:  Forgo the Halloween cards; instead, send e-cards, thus reducing the number of trees cut down, the amount of fossil fuel wasted in the production and shipment of the cards, as well as reducing the waste in the landfills.  Also consider this for Thanksgiving and other major holidays.