The SLO Climate Coalition will host a Kickoff Celebration as the first in a series of local climate change solutions-focused events. The Climate Solutions series Kickoff Celebration will be held Tuesday, April 30, 5:30 p.m. at SLO Brew’s downtown San Luis Obispo location. This event will feature a panel discussion including City of San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon, SLO Chamber of Commerce CEO Jim Dantona and Cal Poly Energy, Utilities and Sustainability Director Dennis Elliot, as well as exhibitors and giveaways. The conversation will focus on local opportunities presented by a commitment to deep reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and how individuals can collectively contribute to climate solutions.

carbon neutral slo city

“The City is moving forward on its Climate Action Plan Update and we’re all driving toward the ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2035,” said Eric Veium, Chair of the SLO Climate Coalition Task Force. “Reaching that goal will take businesses, our university, residents and our local governments working together to drastically reduce emissions and offset those that remain. It’s ambitious, but it is achievable when we work together to develop innovative solutions that better serve our community, our economy, and our environment.”

The SLO Climate Coalition formed in 2017, in partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo, as concerned residents sought to accelerate achievable local solutions to address climate change and build a healthier, more vibrant, and sustainable community. The group has made significant gains already growing from a founding group of under 10 members to more than 100 active residents and business leaders.

“The Climate Solutions series will specifically address the core pillars of climate action through multiple events targeted toward different interests,” said Francisco Pares, a California Civic Spark Fellow and event organizer. “The Kickoff Celebration is a big party to get everyone excited, then the future events will focus on specific areas of interest and developing creative solutions for residents throughout the county to take action.”

The event is free to the public and will include exhibitors such as Bike SLO County, SLO Green Business Network and the Sierra Club, among others. In an effort to reduce the event’s carbon footprint, the event location was selected strategically for being downtown to encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation. The evening will begin with an open house beginning at 5:30, showcasing organizations and programs that the community can sign up with and actively reduce their carbon footprint. Opening remarks will begin at 6:30, followed by the panel discussion before the open house resumes at 7:40. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide input and ideas through a short survey and by contributing to action murals as well as engaging in a passport activity with door prizes. Environmental impacts of the event will be mitigated with carbon offsets. Guests can RSVP on Eventbrite, through the SLO Climate Coalition at carbonfreeslo.org or on Facebook.

“Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend and find their place in taking local climate action,” said Pares. “Cities and states are are leading the way in addressing the causes and impacts of climate change. This is an opportunity for individuals and businesses to take action and become part of the solution.”

The Climate Solutions series is an initiative of the SLO Climate Coalition, a group of dedicated, talented local residents with the mission to leverage our community’s expertise, creativity and resources in order to multiply San Luis Obispo’s efforts to become carbon free by 2035. The Coalition’s action teams focus on decarbonizing electricity through community choice energy, decarbonizing buildings, decarbonizing transportation, carbon sequestration, waste reduction, and community outreach. Please join us in supporting these efforts by visiting carbonfreeslo.org, attending a Climate Solutions series event or participating in an upcoming SLO Climate Coalition meeting at the Ludwick Center. The public is always welcome.