PRESS RELEASE

The community is invited to participate in LB ClimateFest, an open house event for the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). The event will take place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, at Marine Stadium (5255 E. Paoli Way).

“Climate change is a serious threat to our planet and our city,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “It’s important for the community to get involved in this critical process, and LB ClimateFest presents a milestone opportunity for us to come together to create an effective and successful CAAP.”

The event will feature the unveiling of a draft of the City’s first-ever CAAP and offer opportunities for the community to provide input on the plan. Community input is critical to helping address climate action and better prepare Long Beach for the impacts of climate change. The CAAP is being developed to assist the City and our community with responding to global conditions such as rising sea levels, more extreme heat waves and worsening air quality. The event also will feature information and resource booths from various City departments, environmental project displays from Long Beach students, refreshments and giveaways.

In 2015, Mayor Robert Garcia signed the Compact of Mayors, now known as the Global Covenant of Mayors, signaling the City’s support of more targeted efforts aimed at reducing the City’s carbon footprint and preparing for climate change.

Over the past two years, City staff has collaborated with a scientific working group of experts to determine the impacts of climate change in Long Beach. The group is working to make projections about climate change and its potential long-term effects on extreme weather, flooding, drought and other climate-related issues in the city. These analyses have been used to prioritize the development of adaptation strategies for the CAAP. People can view the City’s Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Results online.

The proposed CAAP has also been informed by an extensive public engagement process that includes reaching more than 8,500 residents at nearly 50 outreach events. As a part of this outreach process, staff has hosted various CAAP presentations and activities in collaboration with the City Council offices and other community partners.

Long Beach has already taken green and sustainable approaches to improve the health and safety of residents, businesses, neighborhoods and the natural environment. The CAAP will build off existing sustainability efforts and take a holistic approach to considering the economic, social and environmental benefits of making Long Beach a more resilient and sustainable community.

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP to participate in LB ClimateFest. The public is also invited to join the CAAP conversation on social media using the hashtag #CAAPLB. For more information about the CAAP, visit: www.lbds.info/climateactionlb.

About the City of Long Beach

Home to approximately 480,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health, Parks, Recreation and Marine, Development Services and more. The City also has a highly-respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, five golf courses, 170 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths, and a Bike Share program. For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit http://longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Long Beach Development Services

Serving residents, businesses, and the community at large, the award-winning Long Beach Development Services sets a standard for high-quality, innovative urban planning and livability efforts that create more progressive and sustainable communities within the diverse City of Long Beach, CA. Through a variety of development, code enforcement, housing and neighborhood services, and building activities, the department builds a better future for the City while also honoring its unique past. For more information, visit www.lbds.info. For the latest news and updates, keep up with us on social: Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

# # #