In This Issue: Message from Director • Newsletter Introduction • Climate Action Activity • Climate Advisory Commission • Community Spotlight • Community Resources and Events | |
Message from Director of the Environmental Services Department
San José is on a mission to achieve communitywide carbon neutrality by 2030.
In 2018, the City set the ambitious goal in recognition of the urgency and seriousness of the climate issues before us, a goal that can only be achieved in partnership with our San José community.
San José leads the way in addressing climate change with the Climate Smart San José plan by reducing air pollution, saving water, and progressing towards the City’s carbon neutrality goal.
The Climate Smart initiative is a people-driven plan. Our team encourages diverse residents to take action and to participate with the informative and fun Climate Smart Chronicles. This newsletter serves as a communitywide resource to the projects, initiatives, and opportunities in taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across San José. From individual lifestyle changes and advocacy to City incentives, programs, and policies, our collective work is already shaping a more sustainable future.
Together with our community, we can build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient San José. Stay informed, engaged, and Climate Smart - today and every day.
Thank you,
Lori Mitchell
Interim Director of Environmental Services Department
City of San José
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Welcome to San José Climate Chronicles | |
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By: Jasmine Jain, Assistant Environmental Services Specialist, Climate Smart San José
We’re excited to introduce San José Climate Chronicles, a newsletter from Climate Smart San José, created to keep you informed and engaged on our city’s journey toward carbon neutrality by 2030. Since 2018, Climate Smart San José has been leading the way with impactful projects and initiatives to improve sustainability and create a healthier living environment for San José. Get updates, community highlights, and insights into how we’re tackling climate change together.
We want to hear from you. Help us shape this newsletter by sharing what types of content matter most to you. Take the San José Climate Chronicles: Feedback Survey and let us know what you’d like to see in future issues.
Stay tuned for updates, events, and ways to get involved in creating a sustainable future for San José!
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Powering the Future: Electric Home Tour 2024 | |
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Photo by: Acterra
By: Patrick Begar, Senior Public Information Representative, San José Clean Energy (SJCE)
Acterra is thrilled to announce the Electric Home Tour on Saturday, October 19, showcasing a range of electrified homes in Peninsula and South Bay neighborhoods. Participants will have the opportunity to see both fully and partially electrified homes, providing a closer look at sustainable living solutions, including heat pump technology, induction cooktops, electric fireplaces, and more. Participants will also gain valuable insights directly from homeowners on selecting the right appliances, working with contractors, navigating installation and available incentives, and enjoying cost-saving benefits. Buildings that burn fossil fuels contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and by upgrading your home to electric appliances, you can play a crucial role in combating climate change. To learn more about incentives for upgrading to electric appliances, you can visit the Resources to Help You Save Energy and Money webpage.
Join the tour and learn how to make informed decisions about switching from gas to electric home appliances. Register for the 2024 Electric Home Tour in the Bay Area today to secure your spot.
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Test your Climate Smart knowledge with the quick quiz below! To find out the correct answer, scroll to the bottom of this newsletter. | |
| What is the largest source of emissions in San José? | | | |
Shaping a Greener Future with San José's Climate Advisory Commission | |
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Photo by: Anne Balis
Back row (left to right): Anthony Strawa Expertise Representative, Phillip Remaker Labor/Business/Education, Victor Niemeyer Expertise Representative, Glen Garfunkel Expertise Representative
Front row (left to right): Ruth Merino District Representative, Mani Bekele Youth, Lucia Marquez District Representative, Karen Nelson Advocacy/Community-based organization, Tracy Wang District Representative, Bill DeVincenzi District Representative
By: Katja Reinwald, Intern, Climate Smart San José
San José’s Climate Advisory Commission, which launched in January 2024, plays a key role in advancing the City’s Climate Smart goals, focusing on reducing emissions, transitioning to clean energy, and ensuring a carbon-neutral future for all residents. The commission brings together the voices of various backgrounds, including technical experts, advocacy organizations, and youth, every other month to provide critical input and serve as a community voice on matters such as reducing vehicle miles, increasing renewable energy use, and transitioning to electric appliances.
Stay tuned for opportunities to engage with the commission, attend meetings, and share your input on shaping a sustainable future for San José! Visit SJEnvironment.org/CAC to learn more about the commission, including its meeting schedule and annual workplan.
Openings on the commission may come up in the future. To learn more about the commissioners and how to apply, see the Official CAC roster.
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Community Spotlight: Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) | |
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Photo by: Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, 2024 Youth Leadership Summit
By: Jasmine Jain, Assistant Environmental Services Specialist, Climate Smart San José
Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) is a youth-led nonprofit empowering young people to combat climate change through education, advocacy, and community action. With over 100,000 students across Silicon Valley, their mission is to inspire youth to become climate leaders and drive collective efforts toward a sustainable future.
In August 2024, SVYCA held its annual Youth Leadership Summit, connecting youth, industry leaders, and policy makers. The event featured a Green Career Panel introducing climate-focused careers and a plant-forward cooking demo by chef Robbie Brown, promoting sustainable food choices and induction cooking.
SVYCA’s San José Team hosts climate literacy workshops for K-8 students at local libraries, with an upcoming workshop at Alum Rock Library on Saturday, November 3, 3-4:30 p.m. By amplifying youth voices and implementing community-led solutions, SVYCA plays a crucial role in empowering the next generation of climate leaders. Learn more at svyouthclimateaction.org.
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Community Resources and Events | |
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Quiz Results
What is the largest source of emissions in San José? The correct answer is: Transportation. According to San José’s Communitywide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, transportation made up nearly 50% of the City’s total emissions in 2021. Natural Gas from buildings is the second largest source at 20% of total emissions.
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Do you have a sustainability-related event, program, resource, or community spotlight you'd like to suggest for our next issue? Please fill out the San José Climate Chronicles: Submission Request form to submit your suggestion and nomination, or email ClimateSmart@sanjoseca.gov by December 20, 2024.
Please note: Due to our prioritization of certain topics, we cannot guarantee that your request will be included in the newsletter. If your submission is of interest, we will be in contact via email.
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