California set ambitious targets to scale up critical nature-based solutions by 2045 through AB 1757 (Garcia, 2022). As of right now, the state is on track to meet 59 percent of its 2030 targets.
In this webinar, we heard firsthand stories from across California about how nature-based climate solutions deliver a multitude of ecological and financial benefits for all Californians. These solutions slash emissions from the land sector via less catastrophic wildfires, diminished pesticide use on farms, and more. They also lower costs for farmers by reducing water use and the need for expensive inputs like fertilizers. In addition, they can help lower the cost of living for our communities. For example, strategic urban tree planting creates more shade, reducing air conditioning use and helping with flood control during extreme weather events. Such urban greening also cleans our air and water, improves public health, saves money on healthcare costs, and betters the lives of millions of Californians. This webinar highlighted practical and proven benefits rooted in real communities.
Baani joined The Climate Center in June of 2022 as the Drawdown Initiative Manager. In this role, she leads the organization’s work on advancing nature-based carbon sequestration solutions to fight the climate crisis while protecting our natural lands and delivering a multitude of co-benefits for both the environment and affected communities. She also leads the organization’s efforts in policies addressing the emergent mechanical carbon dioxide removal market. Prior to The Climate Center, Baani worked as a consultant with the Community Alliance with Family Farmers where she assisted small and mid-scale farmers with funding opportunities to remain operational during emergencies like drought, wildfire, and the pandemic.
Co-Founder of the Grayson United Community Foundation
Lilia Lomeli-Gil is the co-founder of the Grayson United Community Foundation. Lilia’s dedication to her small farming community of Grayson in Stanislaus County reflects the resilience of the nearby San Joaquin River — once forgotten, now coming back to life. When Lilia moved to Grayson over 20 years ago, water in the community was undrinkable and the river was severely degraded. Lilia advocated for her community to have clean water, and as Co-Founder of the United Community Foundation and Director of the Grayson Community Center, Lilia works tirelessly to ensure her neighbors are not overlooked, providing essential services like senior and after-school programs. She believes in the transformative power of nature.
Volunteer Advisor on the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Scientific Advisory Panel on Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture
Judith Redmond is a co-founder of Full Belly Farm, a 400-acre farm in Northern California growing fruits, nuts, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and pastured chicken. Becoming certified organic in 1985, the farm now hosts many educational events, including the annual Hoes Down Harvest Festival, an on-farm benefit for sustainable agriculture. Judith serves several community organizations as a volunteer, including the California Climate and Agriculture Network and the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Scientific Advisory Panel on Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture. She is the chair of her local Capay Valley Fire Department Board of Commissioners and is on the leadership team of the Capay Valley Emergency Response Auxiliary.
Co-Coordinator, California Environmental Justice Coalition
Matt Holmes is Co-Coordinator of the California Environmental Justice Coalition and a Senior Advisor of the Valley Improvement Projects. He is a history worker dedicated to driving justice-based reform by centering marginalized communities. Leveraging his experience as a teacher, National Park ranger, and nonprofit executive, he navigates complex institutions using a blend of historical expertise, data science, and policy advocacy. His work is guided by the principles of environmental justice and radical inclusion to dismantle California’s legacy of inequality.
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