An Open Letter to the Encinitas City Council

Dear Council Members

At the August 22 Council meeting, Ms. Gaspar said that she had never had a member of the public tell her they supported "these sustainable living concepts" and she wondered why we were trying to "force change" upon the community. This was in the context of a staff report requesting approval to participate in the Beacon Award which recognizes progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency, and which was called out in the city's Environmental Action Plan approved last year. [You can read the staff report here or watch the video here - it's Item 4, starting at about minute 21.]

Let me be the first to tell you that I understand and accept the scientific reality of climate change and the connection between human activity and the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.  I understand that the extreme weather we have seen across our nation, including continued record-breaking heat, drought, expansive wildfires, and severe storms, is consistent with the projected impacts of climate change. I think it is prudent as a risk management strategy, even if you are not sure of the science, for individuals, communities, and nations to take action to reduce GHG emissions and decrease the consumption of fossil fuels. I applaud earlier efforts in Encinitas to be environmentally responsible by investing in solar photovoltaics, building the wonderful Cottonwood Creek park, engaging in environmental education, conducting a GHG emissions inventory and a climate action plan, and more. I think Encinitas should be proud of its progress and I was disappointed that the Council could not see that implementing the Environmental Action Plan is an important, necessary, and positive strategy.

Sustainable living does not mean putting everyone into high-rises on El Camino Real and taking away cars. No public interest is served by distorted, extremist posturing. Sustainability means living responsibly and efficiently – reducing waste, using less energy, water, and raw materials. This is just good business practice.  I have heard no proposals that would force everyone to change, as was alleged in the Council meeting.

I hope you will hear from many more members of the community. Yes, we love Encinitas as it is, including the diversity and distinct community character in each area. It is precisely in order to ensure our continued economic prosperity and to reduce the risk of more serious cliff erosion, wildfires, spikes in food prices due to drought conditions in agricultural areas, and more, that we need to work together with other cities, state agencies, and the federal government, as well as nongovernmental organizations, to address the challenges of the future in a responsible way.

Sincerely,

Lisa Shaffer, PhD, MBA