This year the global Earth Day theme is "Invest in our Planet." As a leader within the UC system, state, and country we need to lead a movement to be powered 100% by renewable energy.

This April's IPCC report revealed harsh and devastating truths that our country has about 3-5 years to make MAJOR change to our energy systems, and overall environmental practices before we reach a point of no return. 

UCD's participation in the voluntary clean energy purchasing (which is essentially the UC system purchasing clean electrons to be put into the system grid equal to their usage) does not necessarily mean that there will be any new green electricity being generated. The other goal of having 40% of our on-site facilities running off of biogas is a good start, but not enough. 

These are our demands: 

1) UC Davis must use 100% renewable energy by 2025 by investing in on-site renewable energy infrastructure. (ie: solar/biogas)
2) Invest in green infrastructure for capturing stormwater runoff and implement a robust water recycling program. Remove all non-essential grass lawns and invest in drought resistant landscapes. 
3) Convert all toilets to use less water by installing ones with two different flush options, to conserve water usage. Install touch-less water conservation facets and touch-less air dryers in all bathrooms. 

Please prioritize the health and wellbeing of the planet and get rid of fossil fuels before it is too late! The time is NOW!