San Diego faces an uncertain future. In 100 years, will it be sun and surf as usual or will it feel like a perpetual heat wave, with the rising ocean tides swallowing beaches whole?
On Oct. 10, San Diegans gathered at the Museum of Natural History to discuss these questions. The museum, in association with the Climate Smart initiative, hosted the first of a six-part lecture series on global climate change.
Loren Nancarrow of 10News moderated the panel discussion, entitled “Perspectives on Climate Change.” The panelists included Richard Somerville, professor at the Scripps Institute for Oceanography; Patti Krebs, director of the Industrial Environmental Association; Linda Ginelli Pratt, chief of the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department; and Bishop George Dallas McKinney of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
The auditorium was packed, with even more people watching a live video feed from a separate room. First to speak was Somerville, who discussed the science of climate change.
“There is no doubt at all,” Somerville said, “that we are seeing evidence of climate change.” Temperatures have increased more in the past five decades than during any 50-year period in the past several centuries. Scientists agree that the cause is human activity. The remaining dissenters, said Somerville, are “few but noisy.”
With the climate changing, San Diego faces a hotter, wetter future. So what can be done about this problem? Pratt, representing the local government, explained that new government buildings adhere to a strict environmental standard with all new structures utilizing solar power. However, few private sector builders take advantage of the department’s incentives to take similar steps.
Industry is also responsible for greenhouse gas emissions and Krebs was on hand to represent the business perspective. Krebs asserted that businesses understand the issue and are responding accordingly “” and some companies even see business opportunities in fighting climate change. There is a need for new technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in industry and at home.
Consumers also drive positive change. SUV sales are down, said Krebs, while sales of hybrids like the Toyota Prius continue to rise. Car travel alone accounts for 41 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.
McKinney shared his opinion on the ethics of the situation. He quoted the Bible, Psalm 24: “The Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.”
McKinney said he sees humankind as the planet’s steward, an overseer who must take responsibility for his charge. Part of that sacred responsibility, said McKinney, is to ensure a safe, healthy planet for future generations.
Hands flew up as Nancarrow opened the question-and-answer portion of the evening. Some participants expressed concern that the government “” both federal and local “” is failing to take action on climate change.
“I don’t think the city is really working with us,” said resident Kevin Hardy. As of the date of the discussion, Mayor Jerry Sanders had yet to sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, though mayors Crystal Crawford of Del Mar and Stephen Padilla of Chula Vista had already agreed that their cities would meet Kyoto Protocol standards for greenhouse gas emissions.
However, Sanders signed the agreement on Oct. 27, joining over 300 mayors who have already pledged to protect the climate. The agreement’s goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 93 percent of 1990 levels by 2012.
One attendee asked why San Diego buildings are not held to higher environmental standards.
Pratt pointed out that politicians are subject to the will of the people.
In public surveys, her department has found that the overwhelming majority of citizens do not support laws that would mandate environmental measures. As long as “green” buildings aren’t a priority for voters, they won’t be a priority for the government.
Others expressed ethical concerns that emerging industrial nations such as China and India are using more fossil fuels
“I hope that common sense and good judgment will prevail,” McKinney said. “The failures of the industrialized world to protect the environment should not be used as an excuse for those who are emerging to do the same. The life of all mankind is at stake.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, the mood among the panelists was upbeat. Somerville said, “We are seeing the beginning of real action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“There is no easy button,” Krebs said, adding that it’s up to individuals to decide what kind of car to drive, what kind of house to buy and how much waste ends up in the trash can. Businesses, government and consumers each have a role to play in stopping the rising tide.