Darby Berry Highlights Regional Climate Action at San Diego's Climate Collaborative

The recent meeting of the Senate Transportation Subcommittee focused on the critical topic of climate resilience in the San Diego region, highlighting the collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change. Darby Berry, the director of the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative, presented an overview of the organization's initiatives aimed at fostering coordinated regional climate action.

Berry emphasized the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including cities, public agencies, and academic institutions, to build a resilient community. The San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative, established in 2011, has been instrumental in connecting these entities to share best practices and align on common goals. Berry pointed out that climate impacts often transcend political boundaries, necessitating a regional approach to planning and problem-solving.

A significant achievement highlighted during the meeting was the development of a regional vision for the coastlines, which resulted in a comprehensive planning document featuring 76 actionable projects. This initiative aims to address infrastructure needs while considering the unique challenges faced by the San Diego region, such as its busy border crossings and beloved coastlines.

In the past two years, the collaborative has sought over $75 million in funding through federal and state grants to implement these projects. Berry also introduced the San Diego Regional Plan Tracker, an online database designed to streamline access to climate action plans and facilitate better coordination among agencies.

The discussions underscored the necessity of integrating various sectors, such as housing and transit, into climate planning. Berry concluded by stressing the importance of elevating regional leadership and developing research that responds to the specific challenges of Southern California.

As the Senate Transportation Subcommittee continues to explore solutions for the LOSSAN Rail Corridor, the insights shared by Berry and the collaborative's ongoing efforts will play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future for the San Diego community.