Just after Earth Day, Breathe California’s 24th Annual Clean Air Awards celebrated and recognized six Bay Area individuals, groups and organizations that are developing creative and effective strategies to address climate change. Mark Z. Jacobson, Stanford University professor and climate scientist, delivered this year’s keynote address, while Sarah Backhouse, founder and host of Future360.tv, served as the Master of Ceremonies. The Clean Air Awards were presented at The Westin St. Francis in San Francisco on Thursday, April 24.
“We are acutely aware that defending public health requires collaboration and the combined efforts of many,” said Andy Katz, Breathe California Government Relations Director. “Though much has been accomplished in air quality and protecting our climate, toxic pollution continues to impact our health, and we must act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions before it is too late.”
Dr. Jacobson responded to the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) report finding that the window for action on climate protection is approaching a point of no return by discussing how local, state and the federal government can work together to reduce emissions by converting to wind, water and solar power.
According to the World Health Organization’s new findings, air pollution is now the world’s single greatest environmental health risk, claiming one in eight total deaths worldwide.
This year’s awards proudly honor the following recipients:
SF Environment, San Francisco (Smart Growth)
For
creating visionary policies and innovative programs that promote social
equity, protect human health, and lead the way toward a sustainable
future. Their policies include Clean Transportation, Zero Waste, Green
Building, Biodiversity, Climate Change, School Education and Toxics
Reduction.
City of Richmond/MCE Clean Energy, Richmond (Greenhouse Gas
Reduction)
For empowering local communities and their
consumers with alternative energy options, and providing a competitive
marketplace for enterprising service providers. In addition to
offering more renewable, cost-effective electricity service options, MCE
also supports local renewable energy development and energy efficiency
programs. Richmond has teamed up with MCE to achieve greenhouse gas
reductions of 67,533 tons between 2010 and 2013.
Eric Mar, San Francisco Board of Supervisors, San Francisco
(Leadership)
For being an outspoken advocate for
environmental justice, supporting efforts to address cumulative impacts
of air pollution. His commitment to smoke-free environments is
demonstrated by leading efforts for city ordinances prohibiting smoking
at public outdoor events, and including e-cigarettes in the definition
of smoking.
Youth for the Environment and Sustainability, YES Conference,
Oakland (Public Awareness)
For bringing together middle-
and high-school students from the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties
who are passionate about alternative transportation modes and saying NO
to climate change. These students are collectively spearheading efforts
in their communities to reduce pollution, increase transportation
options and improve overall health.
SOL Inc. and the Town of Discovery Bay, Discovery Bay (Technology)
For
both organizations making sustainability and a clean environment central
to their operations and mission. The town is currently pioneering the
expansion of solar outdoor lighting through its partnership with solar
lighting company SOL Inc., with the implementation of state-of-the-art
lighting technologies that provide infrastructure and environmental
benefits.
Bay Area Bike Share, Berkeley (Transportation)
For
creating the first bikeshare system to launch in California and in the
United States as a unified regional system. The program provides an easy
and cost-effective "last mile" solution, linking public transit with
riders' final destinations in the cities along the Caltrain commuter
rail corridor -- San Francisco, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Mountain View
and San Jose.
The awards were presented in front of approximately 200 environmental leaders. Breathe California would also like to recognize the luncheon’s presenting sponsor, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, for its support of the event.
Breathe California is dedicated to fighting lung disease, advocating for clean air and advancing public health. For more than a century, we have addressed the most serious health threats through grassroots programs that empower individual, institutional and community change for better breathing and healthier living. For more information about Breathe California, the Clean Air Awards or our award recipients, visit www.cleanairawards.org or call one of our Bay Area affiliates at (650) 994-5868 or (408) 998-5865.
Contacts:
Ayse Gursoz, 650-391-6443 (cell)
ayseg@ggbreathe.org