We know the problems: too much pollution, too much waste and inefficient use of energy, exacerbated by issues related to transportation, food, energy, waste and building systems.

Luckily, we know some of the solutions too. One big target has been set: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 36 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 85 percent below 2005 levels by 2050. The Oakland City Council approved this goal last summer, making Oakland a national leader in setting GHG reduction goals.

But what does that mean in terms of concrete action on the ground?  How can Oakland really become a model green city? What will have to change?

The hard work is under way, and both city staff and community organizations identifying how to meet that goal in concrete steps. City Council is holding a special workshop Tuesday evening, the first major hearing on Energy and Climate Action Plan. The draft proposal will be released in the next month, followed by community input.

The Oakland Climate Action Coalition--a cross-sector coalition of community-based organizations, environmental experts and advocates, labor unions, and green businesses--has been addressing the issue and has compiled a set of goals and action recommendations they are urging the City Council to adopt into the final Energy and Climate Action Plan. You can sign a petition supporting these recommendations.

Today (Monday) the OCAC is conducting two workshops in preparation for tomorrow’s rally and City Council Meeting. The first is a Youth Teach-In from 4-6pm at Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice, 1440 Broadway, Suite 301. The other is at the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project office, 1747 14th St., from 6-8pm.

You can see the full document of OCAC recommendations below. Here we summarize the main points. The Climate Action Coalition identifies two additional pollution reduction and energy targets, 4 goals, and six categories with prioritized actions.

First, the Climate Action Coalition urges the city to adopt even more aggressive targets than the one approved last summer:

• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 47% Below 2004 Levels by 2020 and at least 6% annually

• Meet 50% of City-wide Electricity Needs with Clean Energy by 2017

The OCAC urges the city to focus on these 4 goals:

1)Clean Up Air Pollution

2)Create Local Green-Collar Jobs

3)Save Money for Residents

4)Improve Public Health

The main areas of action that can make the most difference:

Transportation and Land Use:

Why? Because transportation makes up 2/3 of all local GHG emissions, most people still rely on public transit, and creating safe pedestrian- and bike-friendly cities create healthier, more resilient communities.

What has to happen? We must ensure that public transportation is accessible, affordable and safe for transit-dependent populations and for those who choose to take buses, trains, their feet or their bikes. To achieve these ends, Oakland should invest heavily in Bus Rapid Transit lanes, local bus routes, and the ongoing operation of public transit (both monetarily and by lobbying for federal, state, regional and county funding allocations), safe bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and housing options (including anti-displacement mechanisms) for a range of incomes near transit hubs and along major transit corridors. The result will be major reductions in GHG emissions, safer streets, healthier communities, and hundreds of new green collar jobs.

Building and Energy Use:

Why? Because buildings use a significant amount of energy and currently operate very inefficiently.  Because the energy that is used is currently not renewable energy.

What has to happen? Essentially changing how and from where we get energy and expanding existing tax and rebate benefits to renters. We must increase energy efficiency in our homes, businesses and public buildings by greening the energy we consume, maximizing the procurement of renewable energy as a percentage of the city's energy use and maximizing access to the benefits of renewable energy, green construction, and energy efficiency for low-income and vulnerable communities.

Consumption and Solid Waste:

Why? Because there is no “away”. Because the 3 R’s (Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse) are still sound advice. Add composting and we have some of the best ways of reducing energy use and pollution.

What has to happen? Expand and Improve Waste Reduction, Recycling, Reuse and Composting. Maximize reuse and recycling of materials. Reduce consumption of goods made from non-recycled or non-biodegradable materials. Develop and implement green purchasing and procurement guidelines for all city and city-funded agencies.

Food, Water and Forestry:

Why? Because how our food arrives on our dinner plate and how water comes to our faucet is energy and carbon intensive. Because a significant amount of CA’s energy use is used just to get our water here and heat it. Because local food support the local economy and is healthier.

What has to happen? Encourage sustainable consumption by significantly increase the amount of local healthy food, reduce the consumption of carbon-intensive foods, increase water conservation and expand urban forestry initiatives. Ensure food security for communities that lack grocery stores, healthy food and green, open spaces.

Community Engagement:

Why? Because often too many people who are affected are left out of the process.  The more Oaklanders are involved, the more inclusive the plan will be and the more resilient Oakland will be.

What has to happen? Launch a public engagement campaign designed for populations that are traditionally left out of planning processes such low-income communities and communities of color. Conduct this process in full partnership with community-based organizations, business, labor, environmental organizations, and public educational institutions.

Climate Change Adaptation Planning:

Why? Because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Planning with funding is key.

What has to happen? Develop and adopt a climate change adaptation plan that fully funds adaptation strategies to manage unavoidable climate change impacts. This plan should including disaster preparation, protective infrastructure to guard against sea level rise, health insurance and evacuation plans. This plan should also provide for long-term food security, water security and energy security, as well as public health needs for Oakland's most vulnerable communities. Finally, this plan should be created in partnership with the community engagement strategy outlined above.

Oakland Climate Action Coalition Recommendations