San Francisco County officials faced intense pressure during a recent meeting to prioritize climate action in their upcoming bond program. Activists and community members voiced their frustration over the lack of a dedicated climate bond, urging the Board of Supervisors to take immediate action to address the city's pressing environmental challenges.

Elaine Engel, a prominent speaker, emphasized the need for transparency in how bonds impact climate change. "You have to actually set out to decarbonize," she stated, calling for clear labels on all bonds to indicate their environmental effects. Engel criticized the board for not following up on previous commitments to include a climate bond in the capital planning schedule, insisting that "business as usual just don't cut it."

Sarah Greenwald echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgency of the situation. "The Titanic is going down," she warned, stressing the importance of tracking greenhouse gas emissions across city departments. Greenwald questioned how the city plans to fund its climate action plan without a dedicated bond.

Ronnie Diamont Wilson, representing the group 1000 Grandmothers, also urged the board to place a climate bond on the ballot for 2024. "We can't wait," she declared, referencing the latest IPCC report that underscores the need for immediate action to combat climate change.

The meeting underscored a growing consensus among community members that San Francisco must take decisive steps to reduce emissions from buildings and transportation. As the board considers its bond program, the call for a climate-focused initiative remains a top priority for many residents, who are eager to see tangible commitments to sustainability in the near future.