CAF14-125

How Local Food System Planning Can Create More Resilient Communities

Speakers: Gail Feenstra, Deputy Director, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, UC Davis; Timothy Griffin, Alliance Program Manager, Ag Innovations Network; Eric Holt-Giménez, Ph.D., Executive Director, Food First, Institute for Food and Development Policy; Ricardo Salvador, Ph.D., Director and Senior Scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists; MODERATOR: Sigrid Wright, Assistant Director, Community Environmental Council

In parts of California, food banks are reporting a 75% drop in donated fruits and vegetables due to the drought – confirming that our most vulnerable populations are on the front lines of climate change. We’ll look at how some communities are engaging emergency food providers – as well as churches, farmers, NGOs, schools, political officials and local governments – in large-scale efforts to design healthier, more vibrant food systems that build community resilience. Many early-adopter cities and counties have completed and are implementing “food action plans” or “food system assessments,” providing an emerging body of case studies and tools. We explore examples from major urban areas (Oakland and Los Angeles) and urban/rural areas (Sonoma, Fresno and San Luis Obispo). We also explore how some Food Policy Councils are being coordinated out of mayor’s offices, planning departments or public health departments, and how their work can support climate action plans or other planning efforts.

MP3

$10.00

$10.00

CAF14-110

Plenary: Changing the Business Climate for Climate Change

Speakers: Christopher Benjamin, Director, Corporate Sustainability, Pacific Gas & Electric Company; Kathy Gerwig, Vice President, Employee Safety, Health and Wellness, and Environmental Stewardship Officer, Kaiser-Permanente; Stephanie Rico, Vice President, Environmental Affairs, Wells Fargo, Government and Community Relations; MODERATOR: Joel Makower, Chairman and Executive Editor, GreenBiz Group, Inc.

The American economy is going to face significant and widespread disruptions from climate change unless U.S. businesses and policymakers take immediate action to reduce climate risk, according to the recent report, “Risky Business: The Economic Risks of Climate Change in the United States.” Hear a distinguished panel of California business leaders for an engaging and illuminating discussion on how companies are addressing increasing their resiliency in the face of climate change. The panelists discuss actions they are taking to adapt their business practices to the unfolding economic and social realities of climate change. They share their unique perspectives about the critical need for businesses to engage in adaptation efforts, and the costs, benefits and economic risks we face in meeting these global challenges.

MP3

$10.00

$10.00

Subtotal

$20.00