Climate Action
Establishing Climate Resiliency and Achieving Energy Independence
Sierra Business Council's Climate & Energy Team assists communities throughout the Sierra to proactively plan for climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapting to changes already impacting the Sierra.
Who
Communities in the Sierra are uniquely vulnerable to climate change and other rural issues. We work closely with local governments, businesses, and communities throughout the Sierra Nevada to give them the tools they need to address climate change and build a more resilient region.
What
Our Climate Action program empowers local governments and communities to advance their own climate goals through effective research, data analysis, facilitation, tracking, reporting, and clear action plans. We work to empower the region to build capacity around climate mitigation and adaptation efforts tailored to each community’s specific needs.
Why
We focus on climate education, adaptation, and mitigation because the effects of climate change are already occurring and are among the greatest threats to the region. Increased wildfire risk, extended drought, shrinking snowpack, increased flood risk, and decreased tourism revenue are anticipated climate-caused impacts. We can minimize risk and create opportunities by planning in advance and acting now.
Areas of Impact
Sierra Business Council's Climate Action team works towards a more resilient Sierra, saves communities money, and increases energy independence throughout the region.
Community Education & Outreach
Sierra Business Council’s Climate Action team bridges the gap between government and community needs. SBC facilitates participatory processes and distills complex technical concepts into accessible and engaging messages. We convene climate and energy stakeholders, information, and resources as well as translate technical information for practical use. We also develop community working groups to support the initial stage of implementation of climate initiatives in the Sierra by making direct contact with communities and establishing and documenting state-required stakeholder engagement.
Local Government Planning & Policy Development
We have developed and supported the implementation of over a dozen Energy Action Plans (EAPs) and Climate Action Plans (CAPs) that serve as roadmaps for communities to follow while achieving their climate and energy goals. In this work, we support state mandates for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), update general plans, and support climate resilience at the local level by facilitating the development, adoption, and implementation of climate planning initiatives in Sierra.
Catalyzing Climate Projects
Sierra Business Council projects are notable for their collaborative process, broad application, and positive impact on local communities. We identify and connect local governments and communities to available funding opportunities to address climate resilience, mitigation, and adaptation in the Sierra. We help jurisdictions and organizations obtain funding by providing grant writing services and financing application processing.
Coalition Building
Our team members closely track and contribute to broader climate efforts through our involvement with both formal and ad hoc organizations. We are involved in and lead several statewide and regional climate collaboratives. Our public outreach is inclusive and effective because we understand the importance of establishing common ground and building rapport in groups with diverse and sometimes conflicting opinions.
ReCent Blogs & Updates:
California Adaptation Forum Recap
The climate and government affairs teams at SBC were excited when the news came out that the Climate Adaptation Forum (CAF) would be back in-person this summer. SBC’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Corless, and I attended CAF in early August.
SHRP Applications Open
The Sierra Healthy Refrigeration Program will provide technical assistance for refrigeration rebate applications and access to free refrigeration units to bring healthy food options to low-access areas.
Project Update: Tahoe Basin Greenhouse Gas Inventory
As part of our commitment to advancing climate action and energy resilience in the Sierra, Sierra Business Council provides greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories to local jurisdictions in the region. We recently completed a GHG inventory update for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) that accounted for emissions in the Tahoe Basin.
Join Us In Creating A More Resilient Sierra.
To learn more about our Climate & Energy work or take advantage of our services, contact:
Climate.Energy@sierrabusiness.org
530.582.4800 extension 2