Environmentalist advocate says the time to reduce our carbon footprint is now
As wildfires, drought, flooding and extreme temperatures become commonplace around the country, environmentalists are urging states and local jurisdictions to develop a comprehensive action plan to reduce risks, improve environmental conditions and accelerate action to combat climate change, Connie Miller recently told members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors. Miller, who is vice president of Green Town Los Altos, informed Silicon Valley Realtors about increasing climate change concerns. She said taking care of our planet is a priority, particularly reducing our carbon footprint.
“We must address climate change and how we can mitigate impacts on property,” said Miller. “The United Nations IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) says we have only eight years to make dramatic changes. We have the technology to do it today. The longer we take to make the change, the more difficult and costly it will be.”
The U.S. accounts for one-fourth of the world’s emissions. Americans have the highest per capita carbon emissions worldwide.
“We can lead or be overtaken,” said Miller.
Climate change impacts are local, from fire risks, flooding, drought, extreme temperatures. Poor air quality impacts health. According to a UCLA study, houses with gas stoves show 30 percent more asthma conditions in children.
Cities are starting to adopt Climate Action and Adaptation Plans and reach codes focused on areas where residents can lead and get involved. The trend is toward electric vehicles (EV) and building electrification. California has banned the sale of new gasolinepowered vehicles by 2035. Miller pointed out that Saratoga, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and Palo Alto have the highest EV adoption in the country.
Cities realize methane is the worst pollutant, said Miller. Many local jurisdictions have started planting more trees, installing more bike routes, and changing building codes. In fact, 46 cities, majority in the Bay Area, have implemented reach codes with the focus on building and electrification. Studies show adoption of these heating and cooling practices can improve the carbon footprint by 65 percent. Miller said in Los Altos alone, the top two culprits are transportation and residential energy.
Miller indicated homeowners can protect resources by reducing consumption of water through drought-tolerant landscaping and by not using real or synthetic lawns. Reconsider installing swimming pools, use organic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, and electrify small off-road engines, like leaf blowers and lawn mowers.
The environmental advocate said just four actions would reduce three-fourths of our carbon footprint: upgrade to clean electricity, upgrade to an electric vehicle, upgrade to heat pump water heaters and upgrade to heat pump space heaters.
Miller said Realtors can play a significant role by informing property owners, homeowners, local governments about the importance of proactively reducing wildfire hazards to minimize the loss of property and life and be active participants in advancing effective solutions. In fact, the real estate industry is leading the way in the dialogue on real estate sustainability among real estate agents, brokers, trade associations, and consumers.
2022 California Association of Realtors President Otto Catrina has said one of C.A.R.’S four priorities for this year includes sustainability. Catrina stated, “We must address climate change and how we can mitigate impacts on property.”
The National Association of Realtors’ Realtor Sustainability program conducts outreach to members, trade associations, and agencies to raise awareness and engagement in NAR sustainability efforts. The program’s mission is to educate members and support sustainability in real estate through environmental, social, and economic contexts.
“Change is difficult, but we can do it. We have to do it in order to create a healthy sustainable community by leaving dirty fuel behind,” said Miller. “Making smart investments in sustainable energy gives a healthy environment. Every person can make a difference.”