Jo�o Melo Costa

Not verified. Claim this page

Jo�o Melo Costa Sustainability Actions

Launched Sustainability Exchange

The Sustainability Exchange launched in January 2017. It is a quarterly gathering for local government staff in Contra Costa County who work on sustainability issues to network and learn from one another. Every meeting includes time for networking and learning about the work of others in Contra Costa County, as well as a topical presentation and opportunity to reflect in small groups.

11 13

Led to Cleaner Contra Costa

The work of the Sustainability Exchange led to a $200,000 grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to launch Cleaner Contra Costa, an online platform that allows County residents to register the actions they are taking to reduce damage to the climate.

11 13

Held climate action meetings

Exchange presentations and topics included Climate Action Planning in December 2020, November 2019, December 2022, December 2023, and December 2024. The meetings included presentations on climate action planning, metrics, and reports out notes.

13

Discussed electric vehicles

In August 2022, the Sustainability Exchange focused on Electric Vehicle Deployment. Staff from 511 Contra Costa, the City of Richmond, and Contra Costa County presented on the Electric Vehicle Readiness Blueprint, Charge Up Contra Costa, and the County's work on electric vehicle supply equipment installation.

7 11 13

Addressed environmental justice

On March 24, 2022, Contra Costa County gave an online presentation on environmental justice policies in the County's General Plan, followed by a short presentation from the City of San Pablo and group discussion.

10 11 13

Covered waste and plastics

In March 2019, the Sustainability Exchange topic was Waste and Single Use Plastics. Presentations included Talkin Trash at the Sustainability Exchange, a SUD Ordinance Presentation, and meeting notes for Waste and Single Use Plastics.

12

Promoted sustainable tourism

In 2007, a project was started to create a technical formation module to teach how to assess sustainability under the Certification for Sustainable Tourism, including environmental management, customer service practices, socio-economic impact on local communities, and commitment to cultural conservation.

8 12 15

Created protected areas

Costa Rica created its first protected area in 1945. Ten years later, the areas surrounding Costa Rican volcanoes were declared national parks. Now, a quarter of Costa Rica’s land and 30% of its marine territory is protected under different conservation categories.

14 15

Banned sport hunting

In 2012, Costa Rica became the first Central American nation to ban sport hunting. The law passed unanimously, and violators can face up to four months in prison or fines up to $3,000.

15