Title: TASK: Building Sustainable Cities
Course: GG 22/23 Leuphana-Copy > Section: 2.7 Green // Energy

California's economy is in the process of overtaking Germany and becoming the 4th largest economy in the world. Nonetheless, rather than relying on fossil fuels, the state of California has set itself an ambitious goal: to build a 100% renewable power system that not only maintains a reliable and cheaper supply of energy but also minimizes land use and reduces CO2 emissions. But how is California using sustainable technologies to meet its 100% clean energy-supply goals?

1. Have a look at the following website and answer the questions below:

- What is the difference between carbon-free fuel and carbon-neutral fuel? Provide one example for each type of fuel.
- Why are Hydrogen and Methane considered "sustainable fuels"?
- Why are sustainable fuels important to the process of decarbonization?

California breaks record!

California breaks record by achieving 100% renewable energy for the first time
2. Read the article "California breaks record by achieving 100% renewable energy for the first time" and answer the following questions:
- What turning point does California's achievement of producing 103% of its energy needs imply?
- How did local governments in California contribute to this achievement?
- Does this achievement mean that California can opt out of using fossil fuels? What still needs to be done?

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS PLAY A VITAL ROLE!

"Building sustainable cities - and a sustainable future - will need open dialogue among all branches of national, regional and local government. And it will need the engagement of all stakeholders - including the private sector and civil society, and especially the poor  and marginalized"
Remarks at "Sustainable Cities Days" - Ban Ki Moon

Read the following text to learn about the initiatives and efforts that the City of Philadelphia is taking to precipitate the transition to renewable energy. American Cities Renewables Accelerator: Philadelphia, PA

Provide an overview of the local initiative covering the biggest challenges, advice, lessons learned, community commitments and goals on climate and sustainability. Use the ECO-CHALLENGE: Green // Energy to document the Philadelphia success story and take advantage of it as a food for thoughts and ideas to be implemented in your city, if applicable. Suggest and discuss the Philadelphia success story (or other local government initiatives found below) with classmates working on the module Youth Participation in the FORUM: Youth Participation Matters!

To expand your knowledge on efforts taken by different other local governments in the U.S., have a closer look at:
- City Stories & Videos

- City Stories Video Library

YOLO County, California, Goes Green

Mainspring announces 100% landfill biogas pilot project

3. Read the article Mainspring announces 100% landfill biogas pilot project and answer the questions below:

- Research on the internet and explain the meaning of a "landfill" and "landfill gas." Have a look at the additional materials below
- What is the environmental problem posed by landfills in Yolo county and how is the partnership between Yolo county and Mainspring on the biogas pilot project going to solve the problem?
- What is a "biogas system" and what are its main advantages?

[fa-files-o] Additional materials and resources:

Text
EPA: Basic Information about Landfill Gas