Beverly Hills approves climate action plan

The city of Beverly Hills is examining ways to implement climate-friendly policies and infrastructure – including water-conserving “green streets” like Burton Way. (photo by Tabor Brewster)

The Beverly Hills City Council on April 22 adopted a new climate action and adaptation plan that will act as a roadmap for the city’s climate policies as Southern California grapples with the worsening effects of climate change.

“The city of Beverly Hills has been a leader in sustainability and this plan aligns with the city’s values and environmental stewardship, quality of life and economic vitality,” said Amanda Grossman, a sustainability programs administrator in the city’s department of public works. “As the impacts of climate change are increasing, this plan outlines strategies and measures our city can enact to reduce our greenhouse gas footprint and prepare and adapt to the impacts of climate change.”

The primary goal of the plan is to provide Beverly Hills with the framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The expansive climate plan makes several recommendations for mitigation strategies, including transitioning city code to prioritize buildings that use clean energy, decarbonizing existing buildings and building electric vehicle charging stations.

The plan will not bring the city to net-zero emissions. However, Grossman stated that it is a “living document” that can be updated as new technology emerges.

The plan also suggests methods in which Beverly Hills can prepare for potential climate emergencies, including expanding water conservation efforts and increasing the city’s urban forest.

According to a climate change vulnerability assessment, Beverly Hills is expected to experience significant impacts by the end of the century, including an average temperature increase between 4.2-7.1 degrees Fahrenheit, more frequent extreme heat days, increased storm frequency, extended droughts and more frequent and damaging wildfires. In March, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection released new fire hazard maps for the state, which included an increased fire severity potential in areas of Beverly Hills north of Santa Monica Boulevard. In the coming months, the city will schedule community meetings to discuss the maps and answer questions.

The climate plan also recommends restructuring the city’s emergency response policies by implementing more resilient infrastructure, creating evacuation procedures for vulnerable populations and increasing public participation in emergency preparedness.

The city has already begun implementing measures found in the climate plan across many departments, including transforming city streets to support bicycles and pedestrians and creating more EV chargers. In May, the Planning Commission will discuss updating city code to reduce emissions in new buildings.

The overall fiscal impact of the plan is unknown, as it acts as a guide for future decisions. The cost of projects that utilize the climate plan will be analyzed individually. However, Grossman said that participation in clean energy programs may benefit the city when applying for grants.

Mayor Sharona Nazarian – in her first formal meeting since being sworn in – praised the plan for its forward-thinking approach and emphasized its role as a blueprint for future decisions.

“It’s clear that this is a living document,” Nazarian said. “We want to have realistic, achievable goals … We want to ensure that we are looking at the budget, forecasting for it and how it impacts our budget. We are looking at a budget deficit.”

The plan was approved in a 4-1 vote, with Vice Mayor John Mirisch voting against it.

Mirisch said the plan did not do enough to address what he believes is the root of climate change – rapid urban growth, overdevelopment and overpopulation.

“There’s a much larger problem that we’re dealing with,” Mirisch said. “Yes, it is nice to have a climate action plan. I guess it’s certainly better than nothing. But the notion that we hear from a group of people who are called ecomodernists – that technology is going to save us – is just false … As good as the work [the city staff has] done is when it comes to standard climate action plans, it’s just not enough.”