Scientists say human caused climate change is an emergency for both the planet and human health. Some of the effects of pollution, like depleting the ozone layer, contribute to significant environmental challenges and affect both environmental and public health. Destroying the ozone layer kills plant and animal life; it also causes skin cancer and lowers our immune system. The impact of pollution on human and planetary health is profound, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues. Despite the popularity of sunscreen, the odds of getting melanoma have more than doubled in the US since 1990. Meanwhile air pollution causes allergies, asthma, COPD and lung cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization says 4 billion people and.6 million deaths per year are caused by air pollution.
California’s Climate Leadership
In response to this emergency, California passed the Global Warming Solutions Act in 2006 which required a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions below 2000 levels. The Environmental Protection Agency has played a crucial role in addressing serious environmental issues such as air and water pollution, and the effects of pesticides. It required the business sector to reduce GHG (air pollution made up of 7 different gases) emissions. According to the California Air Resources Board, “These efforts target GHG emission reductions from cars and trucks, electricity production, fuels and other sources.” Part of this effort is to get more EVs on the road. Last June, California passed a mandate that half of the state’s heavy-duty trucks must be electric by 2035 and all of them by 2045. This will dramatically reduce particulate matter in the air and CO2 emissions. This mandate works in conjunction with encouraging California drivers to get behind the wheel of an EV. Today there are approximately 700,000 light-duty EVs on the road in California with 930,811 chargers. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has been a big proponent of policy change to make owning EVs easier. He has helped pass the 2028 Zero Emissions Roadmap with plans for 30% of vehicles on the road and 80% of those sold to be zero emissions by 2028.
Environmental laws have been crucial in California’s climate leadership, emphasizing the need for more regulations, education and awareness of various environmental issues.
Los Angeles’ Energy Efficiency Programs
Meanwhile, Los Angeles has its own energy pilot program addressing broader environmental challenges such as air and water pollution. According to Energy.gov “Using $30 million in seed funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, Los Angeles County and its partner programs developed and tested new program models to grow their local energy upgrade markets.” By testing pilot programs, LA County was able to figure out what worked best for different communities. The results showed a flexible program was best for most homeowners and LA implemented low interest financing for private home energy upgrades, the Home Energy Makeover Contest, and the Energy Champions Program which encourages energy savings for community organizations like churches and schools.
Earth Day in California
In California and looking to celebrate Earth Day? Earth Day events play a crucial role in promoting environmental conservation and awareness across the globe. Check out the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival on April 23 at the Arlington Theater, the San Diego Earth Fair on April 24, or Los Angeles Earth Day on April 27. Looking for volunteer opportunities this Earth Day? Sign up to volunteer and join a Clean-Up in your community!
Volunteer Opportunities and Events
Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival
At the Arlington Theater this festival has educational booths, live music and opportunities to learn about sustainable practices. A great way to get involved with nature and celebrate Earth Day.
San Diego Earth Fair
April 24 the San Diego Earth Fair is one of the largest free annual environmental fairs in the world. Over 300 exhibitors, special theme areas, food pavilion, children’s activity area, entertainment venues. A family friendly event promoting environmental awareness and action.
Los Angeles Earth Day
April 27 Los Angeles will host its Earth Day with various activities, workshops and informational booths around the world on sustainability and environmental protection. A great opportunity to learn how you can help save the planet.
Need a Ride?
Get to a local Earth Day event or volunteer opportunity in a Chevy Bolt EV. BlueLA powered by Blink Mobility is a smarter, greener way to get around Los Angeles, improving the community and environment one ride at a time. BlueLA powered by Blink Mobility car sharing provides members with new, fully electric vehicles for their daily needs. Clean and convenient EVs can be picked up and dropped off by members at 40 locations around the city, so you don’t need to own a car the old way. Download the app to start your membership application and join thousands of members who are choosing greener transportation options!
End
Celebrating Earth Day in California is a reminder of the state’s leadership in environmental protection and sustainability, highlighted by significant laws like the Endangered Species Act. From the oil spill in Santa Barbara that triggered the first Earth Day to the programs and policies in place today, California is setting the pace for environmental movement for the rest of the country. Plastic pollution poses a severe threat to human and planetary health, making it crucial to address this issue through clean-up events and awareness campaigns. Whether you’re attending a festival, volunteering for a clean-up or just making more sustainable choices in your daily life there are many ways to celebrate Earth Day and help save the planet. Join us and take action for the environment for our children.
