This is a very BIG priority for me. Our world is at a tipping point and it is up to us to make a difference. We are experiencing the effects of climate change with all of the fires throughout California. For Atherton we must get serious about how we can make a difference. While the Town has had an “Environmental Programs Committee” for many years, its programs have lately been limited to hosting an Earth Day Event once a year, which I am proud to have been a part of. However, there is so much more we can do. Atherton’s Climate Action Plan, which was adopted just a few years ago, mostly just complies with the minimums required by the State. Other towns like Portola Valley, Woodside and Palo Alto have set higher standards and goals for their residents to reduce their GHG footprints. I hope we will be able as a Council to look at those goals for Atherton.
There is also much more that we, Atherton residents, can do to reduce our Greenhouse Gas footprints. I hope to work with the current Environmental Programs Committee to help residents learn what they can do independent of the town.
Over the next 4 years, I promise that I will continue to urge our Council to not only work to achieve the goals in our approved Climate Action Plan but to reach further as our neighboring communities have done, to make a difference in our community and our world.
Below are just a few photos of Atherton’s EPC sponsored events over the years.