LaCava is the San Diego City Council president pro tem, representing District 1, and lives in San Diego.
The inaugural Earth Day in 1970 marked a pivotal moment in our country’s history, as Americans united nationwide to champion environmental causes and advocate for the protection of our planet. This grassroots movement ignited a public outcry for cleaner water, air and land, prompting a government response and the establishment of vital environmental safeguards like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and landmark legislation like the Clean Air and Water Acts.
The solution in 1970 was a top-down approach, regulating the worst offenders and limiting companies from taking advantage of people, their communities and the natural environment. A half-century later, the demand for environmental action remains as the climate crisis continues to expose the global and local threats that greenhouse gases and other pollutants pose to our lives.
Unlike the 1970s, today’s solution is and must be, one of collaboration, where business, government and the public all play a vital role. This collaborative action between the public and policymakers is the foundation for a more sustainable future.
The role of government in this equation is two-fold: Prevent exploitative practices and establish climate programs with ambitious yet achievable goals. As chair of the City Council’s Environment Committee, I am committed to each of these through the implementation of the city of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan.
With each strategy of the Climate Action Plan, we must act together. In partnership between the public, business and policymakers, we can set the table with initiatives and tangible climate actions, and all find a seat.
The city of San Diego has already taken steps to create easily accessible and affordable options for the public and the city to collectively work together to reduce our region’s carbon footprint. From expanding renewable energy, developing an organic waste program, increasing safe and efficient transit options, growing our urban tree canopy, installing electric vehicle charging stations, expanding wetlands and creating a sustainable water source, much has been accomplished — and, yes, much more to do.
Yet these measures can only succeed with widespread adoption and engagement from all of us. We can all contribute to a sustainable future through simple lifestyle changes and conscious choices. We can and must do more with accessibility and affordability in mind. We must challenge ourselves to go further and deeper in our commitment to environmental stewardship.
Climate action requires a fundamental shift in mindset — one that embraces responsibility, action and collaboration. By fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and providing accessible education and resources, we can empower San Diegans to become active agents of change. Accessibility is key for this movement to happen, and it is the city’s responsibility to provide it.
As an elected leader, delivering transparency and dialogue to the people I represent at City Hall is paramount. This means access to clear information on initiatives and the role each of us plays in achieving our Climate Action Plan goals.
Want to fill your green organics bin properly? Check out the city’s Environmental Services Department website for tips and tricks and print out a “What goes where?” guide.
Want to plant a tree in front of your house? Sign up for the city’s Free Tree program.
Want 100 percent renewable energy at your home or apartment? Upgrade your San Diego Community Power and become a Power100 champion.
We must also that the major oil and gas companies remain the greatest contributors to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. To lead by example, the city of San Diego has divested from fossil fuels, requiring city buildings to be converted to all-electric, expanding our electric vehicle fleet, and standing up to Big Oil by opposing its attempt to expand oil drilling adjacent to residential neighborhoods in California. To the extent you can, us in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
San Diego’s natural beauty is unparalleled, from its pristine beaches and scenic landscapes to its vibrant marine life. Our public spaces must be safeguarded for future generations to enjoy. Climate change threatens not only our environment, but also our health, our way of life, and quintessential San Diego culture.
On this Earth Day, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to protect the planet and pledge to take concrete actions toward a sustainable and resilient future together.
