California’s sustainable future begins with renewable energy | Sustainable LA Grand Challenge

September 09, 2016

Giant wind turbines are powered by strong winds in front of solar panels on March 27, 2013 in Palm Springs, California. According to reports, California continues to lead the nation in green technology and has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions per capita, even with a growing economy and population. Photo by KEVORK DJANSEZIAN/GETTY IMAGES.

On Thursday, September 8, Governor Jerry Brown signed two climate change bills into law making California the first state to set the most aggressive target for climate reduction in the United States. UCLA’s Mark Gold, associate vice chancellor for environment and sustainability, and Richard Wirz, mechanical and aerospace engineering researcher, sat down with Take Two on KPCC to discuss how moving to renewable energy will be crucial for addressing part of the new greenhouse gas emissions criteria set forth by Governor Brown. Gold leads the university’s Sustainable LA Grand Challenge, which aims to achieve 100 percent renewable energy, 100-percent locally sourced water, and enhanced ecosystems health for Los Angeles.