With the City of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2035, a new partnership between SDG&E and the city could help make this goal a reality.
In March, SDG&E and the city joined efforts to plant more than 400 trees in City Heights. And on June 22, with District 7 Council Member Raul Campillo joining the partnership, another 300 trees, including 11 different tree species, were announced to be planted in Allied Gardens.
These trees are part of the city’s goal to plant roughly 2,500 trees in various communities over the next 10 years and according to Brittany Syz, SDG&E’s director of environmental services & sustainability, it’s a step in the right direction to improve San Diego’s natural and human environments.
Across the U.S., American Forests, a research company, scores cities based on their ability to provide enough trees in a neighborhood for everyone to experience the health, economic and climate benefits that trees provide. Many cities within San Diego County were reported in American Forests’ research to score within the 70s and 80s. But, in areas like Barrio Logan and Lemon Grove, numbers are not as high. Barrio Logan scored 46 and Lemon Grove hovered at 28.
Part of the city’s plan is to help improve specific neighborhoods and build “climate resilience” in the words of Syz.
“Urban greening projects like the one taking place right here today are such an important part of our work to build climate resilient communities,” said Syz.
According to Jimmie Web, SDG&E vegetation management operational manager, the city hasn’t announced where the next installment of trees will be planted, but once the City Heights and Allied Gardens planting is completed, the city will have fulfilled approximately 20% of the agreed plantings.
According to Campillo, this plan and its expansion into other neighborhoods in San Diego are essential to combating environmental damage.
“Expanding our urban forests in San Diego is critical in our fight against climate change. That is why I partnered with SDG&E and the City’s Urban Forestry Department to plant over 300 trees in Allied Gardens,” said Campillo.
In addition to capturing carbon and improving air quality, Campillo highlighted that these trees contribute to energy savings, provided by shade, and stormwater runoff reduction.
To learn more about the sustainability and mobility department managing this partnership, visit: sandiego.gov/sustainability.
