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Department reviews San Francisco’s role at Global Climate Action Summit and next steps for commitments
Summary
Staff and commissioners reviewed San Francisco’s sponsorship and activations at the Global Climate Action Summit, highlighting commitments on net‑zero buildings, zero‑waste goals and public outreach activities; staff said implementation and follow‑up press opportunities will sustain momentum.
San Francisco’s Department of the Environment presented a multi‑speaker review of the city's participation in the Global Climate Action Summit during the Commission on the Environment meeting on Sept. 25.
Director Deborah Rafael opened the item by saying the summit "exceeded any of our expectations" and credited staff, commissioners and city partners for extensive coordination. The department framed its role as elevating subnational action—cities, counties and states—in a summit intended to supplement UN negotiations.
Wendy Goodfriend summarized major commitments the city advanced: development of an inclusive climate action plan aligned to a 1.5°C pathway, a pledge to reduce municipal disposal and incineration by 50% by 2030, commitments to net‑zero emissions for new buildings by 2030 and all buildings by 2050, and use of green bonds for climate investments.
Charles Sheehan, the department’s policy and public affairs manager, described a coordinated media strategy that led with the city's zero‑waste commitment and a Moscone Center press event where the mayor was announced as a co‑chair for a 100% renewable energy campaign. He said coordinated PIO meetings and a press kit for visiting delegations helped secure broad coverage.
Luke Easdale discussed public activation strategies: delegate kits for visiting officials, partnerships with hotels to replace single‑use water bottles with reusable bottles for major hotels, a citywide school poster contest with over 270 entries, and advertising and outreach that tied policy commitments to everyday actions.
Sean Rosen Moss described cultural and arts activations, including a Climate Music Project, affiliate events across the city and partnerships with cultural centers and the San Francisco Symphony that broadened public engagement beyond policy producers.
Commissioners praised the department’s work and asked about sustaining momentum; staff said implementation of commitments and targeted press around implementation actions will create further opportunities for public engagement. The department also said it will compile press clippings and links for archival and commission review.
The presentation closed with commissioners offering help to keep summit momentum alive and staff noting the many implementation tasks ahead for the city.
