SAN FRANCISCO, CA— Assemblyman Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) announced today that he has launched a public information campaign designed to help citizens combat global warming in their daily lives by providing tips and advice on how to cut back on activities that contribute harmful carbon emissions to the atmosphere.

“If each person in a community of 100,000 people chose to ride a bicycle or walk instead of using a car just one time a month, that community could prevent 3,800 tons of carbon emissions each month,” said Assemblyman Leno.  “Each of us personally impacts global warming.  This campaign is meant to provide people with the tools and information needed to minimize our impact on global warming by reducing our personal carbon footprint.”

A ‘carbon footprint’ is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of green house gases produced, which is measured in units of carbon dioxide.  Leno’s campaign includes television and radio Public Service Announcements, brochures and a website designed to help us make choices and take action to reduce our carbon footprint at home, in the kitchen, at the office and on the road. 

Leno’s ‘carbon footprint’ website at www.assembly.ca.gov/leno provides Bay Area residents with resources in their area, the latest news on global warming and information on the landmark climate change measure passed last year, AB 32.   Additionally, a California-specific carbon calculator is available for Californians to measure their carbon footprint at www.coolcalifornia.org.  Leno will also participate in promotional events throughout the community to demonstrate ways each of us can reduce our impact on global warming.

Considerable scientific evidence documents that most global warming has been caused by our own human activities which have built up greenhouse gases – primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.  The rising of global temperatures will cause sea levels to rise and alter local climate conditions, affecting forests, crop yields, and water supplies and could have devastating affects on human health, animals, and many types of ecosystems.

“Each of us can significantly reduce the effects of global warming and climate change may be the most important issue of our time, and we all hold the power to do something about it,” added Leno.  To view Leno’s ‘carbon footprint’ website as well as the television public service announcement and other information, please log on to his website at www.assembly.ca.gov/leno.