March 2005

Can San Francisco become a zero carbon city?

WHAT - The relationship between climate change and local communities is of vital importance to the well being of our world. The aim of the Zero Carbon City discussion is to shift the emphasis away from climate change impacts and inter-governmental negotiations, towards adaptation and practical measures that people can use at a local level. As major energy consumers, cities serve a pivotal and often untapped role in the climate change debate. This event is open to the public and registration is free.

WHO - Panelists:

UK - Andrew Cox, Carbon Neutral Newcastle: Newcastle City Council's innovative and original program aimed at encouraging inhabitants and factories to significantly reduce their carbon emissions
Mark Goldthorpe, South East Climate Change Partnership: A partnership of private and voluntary sector organizations from across the South East that promotes and shares best practice in adapting to climate change
Steve Piltz, Sustain Consult: A construction consultancy company that specializes in low energy sustainable construction

San Francisco - Fred Schwartz, Water and Power resources manager San Francisco Public Utilities Commission; Nancy Skinner, executive director, The Climate Group and David Wooley, vice president, Energy Foundation

WHEN - Tuesday, March 22nd, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Conference Room A, Pacific Gas & Electric Company
245 Market Street

International links can be built between cities, even when countries do not agree. Focusing on cities generates a fresh perspective on the climate issue. The panelists will discuss green buildings, transportation, security issues, globalization and trade, local policies and citizen involvement.

Zero Carbon City is a global British Council campaign aimed at reframing the international climate change debate by exploring the energy challenges facing the world's greatest cities.

The UK's progressive science and technology environment makes it the partner of choice for world-leading researchers, developers and academics eager to turn knowledge into innovation. Learn more about how the UK is developing science and technology for a new world.