Climate Change. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers, extreme weather events, changing habitats and seasons: an overwhelming number of natural signals indicate that climate change is well underway. Governments and industries are now developing plans and technologies for a lower carbon, more energy efficient future. But to succeed, we need to dovetail our efforts to realize productive results and economies of scale. The time has absolutely come to see, discuss, and act upon what we now most certainly know--that visible changes in our environment are transforming the way we must approach the business, personal, and economic decisions we make in our lives today.
Now is the time to thoughtfully examine these complex issues as well as adaptation strategies that decrease exposure to the risks posed by climate change. Multiple factors are now in play, making this the most exciting time in history to be at the table when the issues of climate change are discussed. From California's multi-billion dollar corporations to smaller community governments and stakeholder groups--everyone has an important role as part of the solution. What is less certain is how we band together, how we decide to move forward in harmony with the policies and legislation put forth by a new administration. Won't you join us as leaders from throughout California and the nation meet to discuss this significant opportunity?
California has always been at the forefront of environmental leadership, from its elected officials to its everyday residents. Since its creation in 1975, CAPCOA and its members (leaders of all 35 local and regional air districts in California) have focused on ensuring this trend continues, with enthusiastic drive and dedication toward cleaning the air and ensuring the residents of California have a healthy environment in which to live and thrive, both today and in future generations.
Along with its co-hosts, CAPCOA is proud to present The CAPCOA Climate Change Forum on August 30-31, 2010 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in San Francisco, California. This event represents one more step toward achieving a cleaner, greener, and more energy efficient tomorrow and advancing the critical discussions about climate change.
We look forward to your attendance and your active participation in this landmark event.
Mat Ehrhardt, CAPCOA President
Welcome and Introduction
For the past several years now, the subjects of climate change and global warming have been hot topics in Congress, the California Legislature, our classrooms, and within environmental circles. As these discussions continue to be shaped in the boardrooms of corporate America and as climate programs move up that ladder of importance at the highest levels of government, the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA), along with its co-hosts, the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are proud to present “The CAPCOA Climate Change Forum” (Forum). With a focus on facilitating leadership and progress with top-level dialog, the Forum will offer an insightful look at current and pending legislation, regulations, and voluntary actions at the Federal, state, and local levels, and how these are interacting with each other.
Purpose and Focus
The Forum will bring together distinguished national, state, and local leaders to share their perspectives for advancing climate change programs, addressing key issues and questions, and expressing their views for what the future holds. In addition, breakout sessions will bring noted panelists of interest to business and industry, governmental officials and staff, science, academia, and community groups.
Appropriate long-term decisions and strategies can only be developed with the collective input from all stakeholders. As individual programs to implement carbon reducing strategies, regulations, action plans, as well as adaptation approaches, move forward, the need for harmonizing them and reducing redundant or overlapping elements is essential. Opportunities for wide-ranging discussions are necessary, and this Forum will provide that opportunity.
Key Influencers
Recent events, regulations, and proposed and existing legislation will form the backdrop for the Forum. These include:
- Copenhagen and COP15
- Implementation of California’s AB32
- Discussion on the California Climate Adaptation Strategy
- American Clean Energy & Security Act of 2009
- Low Carbon Fuel Standards
- Federal Regulatory Action under the Clean Air Act
Your Participation
Please join us to learn about, and contribute to, our collective efforts to harmonize the future direction of climate change programs and sustainability. Taking place in San Francisco, a city that defines environmental leadership, the CAPCOA Climate Change Forum is an opportunity simply not to be missed.