Sustainability

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Sustainability Program - Image of Bike, EV Charger, Solar, Recycle Symbol, Green Building

The City of Goleta is committed to being a resilient and sustainable community. We envision a greener and cleaner future for Goleta as we strive to create sustainable infrastructure and environmentally enriching opportunities for all residents and businesses.

Learn more about our local climate and environment related issues and explore the projects that Goleta’s Sustainability Program is initiating to empower our community now, and for the years to come.

Core Environmental & Climate Issues

Sea Level Rise

The risk of coastal hazards from climate change such as sea level rise are significant to the entire South Coast of Santa Barbara County, including the City of Goleta.
“Globally, sea levels are rising as a result of two factors related to increasing temperature caused by human-induced climate change. The first factor is the thermal expansion of the oceans. As ocean temperatures warm, the water in the ocean expands and occupies more volume, resulting in a sea level rise. The second factor contributing to eustatic (global) sea level rise is the additional volume of water added to the oceans from the melting of mountain glaciers and ice sheets would rise by approximately 220 feet above present-day levels. “

The risks include property damage, potential loss of habit and cultural resources, as well as potential threat to human lives.
The City is committed to climate adaptation and coastal resiliency. Check out the Goleta Coastal Hazards Vulnerability Assessment for more information on sea level rise and coastal hazards. Explore the below resources used by fellow coastal cities:

Ocean Acidification

The ocean absorbs about 30 percent of the CO2 that is released in the atmosphere, and as levels of atmospheric CO2 increase, so do the levels in the ocean.
When CO2 is absorbed by seawater, a series of chemical reactions occur resulting in the increased concentration of hydrogen ions. This increase causes the seawater to become more acidic and causes carbonate ions to be relatively less abundant.
These changes in ocean chemistry can affect the behavior of non-calcifying organisms as well. Certain fish's ability to detect predators is decreased in more acidic waters. When these organisms are at risk, the entire food web may also be at risk.

Ocean acidification is affecting the entire world’s oceans, including coastal estuaries and waterways. Many economies are dependent on fish and shellfish and people worldwide rely on food from the ocean as their primary source of protein.
Exert from the National Ocean Service

Heat Events & Extreme Weather

Extreme heat in Goleta is defined as a day between April and October that temperatures are above 79°F... By 2030 models project between 17 (low scenario) and 25 (high scenario) days per year with the duration of the heat waves increasing up to 6 consecutive days a year. (Goleta Coastal Hazards Vulnerability Assessment)
Goleta had an average temperature of 79.92 degrees in September 2022, with the month’s hottest day at 97 degrees, one of the warmest months on record.
“Future temperature projections for the Goleta Valley show that average annual temperatures are expected to rise by between 2.2° and 3.2°F by 2030, 3.9° and 4.9°F by 2060, and 4.5° and 5.3°F by 2100,” as shown in the figure below. (Goleta Coastal Hazards Vulnerability Assessment)

Extreme heat is not the only weather changes our community has experienced due to climate change. The statewide storms of January 2023 brought tremendous amounts of rain. Locally the damage from the historical storms cost the county an estimated $147 million. (SB Independent).
As these events become more common, it’s important to keep up to date on resources and news alerts.

Habitat Loss

Climate change poses a threat to natural habitats in many ways. Changing temperatures, more frequent wildfires, and extreme weather events like heat waves or heavy rains disturb ecosystems and put a strain on wildlife.
The City of Goleta is working to protect natural habitats from the effects of climate change and preserve them from certain developments.

Energy Resilience

Located at the end of Southern California Edison’s electricity service lines, energy resilience is a top concern for the City and residents along the south coast. Maintaining access to clean, reliable energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emission and ensure stronger community safety in the event of a natural disaster.
Strategic Energy Plan
PoweredUp Goleta – Home Solar and Battery Storage Program
Central Coast Community Energy Rebates & Incentives

Emissions Reductions Efforts

Take Action

To assist the community in making conscious choices at home, Goleta has joined the Resilient Central Coast campaign. 40% of emissions for the U.S. come from 5 basic household activities we do every day – electricity use, home heating, transportation, food choices and waste we send to landfill. Join the Climate Resilient SBC challenge to learn how to reduce your emissions and explore resources available to residents to support environmentally friendly choices.