Collaboration and Climate Change
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 02:25PM I applaud the City of Portland and Multnomah County on the recent and aggressive update of the 2009 Climate Action Plan. An audacious goal of 80% carbon reduction (below 1990 levels) by 2050 frames a series of near-term and long-term actions required to get us there. O.K., that’s good – green jobs, clean energy, walkable/bikable cities: check. Land and transport, green building, energy efficiency, waste reduction: got it.
Moreover, the report says, “the broad-scale coordination and planning required to achieve the 80-percent carbon reduction goal will demand that governments, businesses, civic organizations and residents collaborate extensively and take the lead in their own activities.” 
But, here’s the thing – look closely at the makeup of the steering committee, and you’ll notice
a near complete lack of business representation. WHY?
If you believe that the winds have shifted and there is renewed engagement in Climate Change on a national level – or ‘seismic change,’ according to today’s NY Times, then lack of interest isn't the problem.
And yet, the 2009 Oregon legislature has yet to pass a single piece of significant carbon legislation - overshadowed as they are by the $4 billion budget gap – forcing policies like cap & trade, the BETC and other energy efficiency incentives to take a back seat while Salem tries to figure out how to wrestle with a 12% unemployment rate.
This, despite the excellent grassroots work of Climate Solutions in rallying business support in support of said legislation.
But, I digress. The point is, if you’re going to set up a framework for true collaboration – which the City assures me is the intent of the Climate Action Plan – then you need to secure involvement from start-to-finish. The City and County are looking at all ways large and small that they can impact our collective carbon footprint and ensure a vibrant, prosperous region. But, their efforts will only get us so far. Business leaders must be involved to inform, participate and, well – LEAD.
We’re all feeling the impact of the economic downturn – but now is not the time to shun innovation and investment. Now is the time to think about the long-term horizon and plan for success.
Which is why I’m encouraging business colleagues to join me at the June 15 Town Hall for the City/County Climate Action Plan. They want feedback and input – let’s give it to them – loudly and soundly.
business case,
collaboration,
innovation in
Climate Change,
Environment,
change,
energy 


