Climate Action Planning and Implementation

Climate action planning is the process of developing and implementing policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase community resilience. The methods and tools for doing climate action planning have matured and robust best practices have emerged. The course will present a complete process for climate action planning—from getting started to implementation and monitoring, including many examples from local practice. Several successful cases will be discussed. Specific topics that will be addressed include:

• Getting started and logistical issues such as cost, funding, scheduling and staffing
• Preparing and implementing a public participation program
• Conducting an audit of existing community policies and activities
• Conducting a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and forecast
• Conducting a climate change vulnerability assessment
• Developing greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies and climate adaptation strategies
• Creating a successful implementation program including prioritizing and funding
• Monitoring and updating policies and programs
• Integrating the climate policies and programs into the General Plan
• Developing qualified GHG reduction strategies for CEQA purposes
• Understanding state and federal climate change law and policy including AB 32 and SB 375