BEACH AND BAY

DREAMSTIME ILLUSTRATION

Group effort

Community leaders will gather to address solutions for reducing climate change impacts

By AMY STEWARD

The weather has been dominating headlines for months — from the heat wave last month to devastating wildfires across California and the Southwest and flash floods that washed out a section of Interstate 10 near Blythe in August.

And weather experts are forecasting that California could endure massive flooding caused by an atmospheric river with the potential to dump inches of rain on drought-hardened and concrete-covered land in the next few decades.

Climate change is here.

“The record heat, droughts and fires of the summer of 2022 have shown the dire consequences of climate change that impact lives both near and far,” said Abby Berk, a board member of the local environmental nonprofit Emerald Keepers. “The latest research shows we still have time to act to prevent the worst outcomes.

“Everyone in our Coronado community can take action to be part of the climate solution.”

Scientists, the United Nations, world leaders, business leaders and environmental organizations believe it will take efforts by every city around the globe to reduce carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions — the cause of climate change.

U.S. energy and environmental researchers have determined the country needs a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the target scientists say is required to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

Emerald Keepers wants Coronado to join this effort and is organizing a gathering of local leaders and thinkers on Oct. 14 to discuss environmental concerns and mitigation in Coronado. The select group will listen to environmental experts and then explore solutions to increase climate resilience and promote sustainable practices locally.

The all-day event is designed to identify key Coronado assets and environmental hazards that threaten those assets. Ex-

LESLIE CRAWFORD The king tide in December 2021, which brought the water level to the base of the old Hotel Del Coronado boathouse (now the Bluewater Grill), is an example of what could happen in Coronado as sea levels rise.

pert guest speakers will explain climate impacts and share case studies where solutions are being implemented. The goal is to find ways to prevent further damage to Coronado’s sea, air and land through personal and collective action.

The assembly, organized by Emerald Keepers, “offers an incredible opportunity to bring our community together to collaborate on actionable solutions to many of the environmental issues impacting Coronado both now and in the future,” Berk said.

The invitation-only gathering will include a cross section of community members. Representatives from the city, Naval Base Coronado, the Coronado Unified School District, Sharp Coronado Hospital, service clubs, faith organizations and yacht clubs as well as local businesses and nonprofits have been invited.

Noted anthropologist Margaret Mead is quoted as saying: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

That’s the objective of the upcoming brainstorming session and the idea that inspired Emerald Keepers.

If you would like to volunteer to help, have expertise in climate change mitigation or want to be placed on a waitlist to attend, email emeraldkeepers@gmail.com. ■

Amy Steward is president of Emerald Keepers.

WHAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT

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