global warming solutions
California has embarked on a bold effort to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and its contribution to global climate change. Under AB 32, the state will attempt to lower its emissions of greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% below that threshold by 2050. California’s growing population makes these ambitious targets, particularly the latter, which will likely require a reshaping of everyday life. How the state will proceed – whether the reductions will be achieved through command-and-control regulations or some sort of market-based mechanism – is still up in the air, but will be decided within the next twelve months.
Statewide, firms in sectors that are among the largest sources of GHG emissions employ 2.6 million workers and contribute $272.5 billion to the state’s total economic output (valued at $1.46 trillion). In Southern California (which includes the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura), the direct GHG industries employ more than 1.3 million workers and account for $125.3 billion in economic output.
All documents are in PDF format unless indicated otherwise.
Position Papers
» Southern California Green Jobs Strategy - December 2010
» SCLC on SB 375: Mary Nichols, Chair, California Air Resources Board
» SCLC Greenhouse Gas Position - January 2008