An eight-acre Climate Park to address the growing impact of climate change 

OJAI, California, September 15, 2020 

Leading global environmental non-profit Global Green, together with the City of Ojai, today announced a partnership to introduce an eight-acre Global Green Community Climate Park, the first of its kind in the United States. The Climate Park represents a significant undertaking by the City of Ojai to reduce impact on the Earth’s climate systems. When complete, the park is expected to offset all Co2 emissions produced as a result of municipal activities.

“As one of more than 800 jurisdictions worldwide to adopt a resolution declaring a climate emergency, we are especially proud to bring this project to Ojai,” said City Manager James Vega. “The Climate Park will preserve Ojai’s precious natural resources while promoting the well-being of our community and sustainable business growth.”

To be located at Ojai’s City Hall Campus, the Global Green Community Climate Park will transform the local ecology to reduce fire hazards, improve watershed flow, and clean the air while providing educational and eco-visitation opportunities. With funds provided by Global Green USA, Norwegian explorer, environmentalist and biosphere designer Bjørn Heyerdahl will lead the project. Bjørn also serves as a Global Green board member. “We are thrilled to partner with the City of Ojai and Bjørn to bring this project to life,” said William Bridge, CEO, Global Green USA. “There is a pressing need to live more sustainably and we congratulate the City of Ojai on their commitment to a better tomorrow.” 

“The Global Green Community furthers our vision of having a Climate Park in every major biome on the planet,” said Bjørn. “As global citizens, the time to address climate change is now. Climate Parks offer an actionable solution that will benefit us all, today and in the future.”

Climate Parks are a Significant “Green” Initiative

In locations across the world, Climate Parks act as a holistic living model to address global climate change while meeting the needs of local communities. Instead of linear models of development (consume water, dispose of water, then find new water), Climate Parks advocate circular models (e.g. consume water, treat wastewater, reuse water). Through integral design and restoration, Climate Parks mimic natural environments, creating systems that clean air and water and provide a zero-waste environment.  

About Global Green

Global Green, the American arm of President Gorbachev’s Green Cross International, is an environmental non-profit that works to prevent climate change by helping people, places, and the planet. Established in 1993, Global Green, a 501(c)3 organization, has influenced more than $20 billion dollars of building construction by encouraging the integration of green building and sustainability practices, and has educated millions of people about climate-friendly solutions. Global Green has authored multiple state and national laws and policies on green building, climate change and energy-efficiency; and has responded to environmental disasters from hurricanes, to chemical weapons dumping, to sea level rise and the melting of the poles. Global Green is the only national environmental group headquartered in Southern California and has offices in New Orleans and Washington, DC. To learn more, go to www.GlobalGreen.org and follow Global Green on Instagram and Twitter, and Global Green Fans on Facebook. 

About The City of Ojai

The City of Ojai has emerged as a U.S. leader in sustainability with a tradition of environmentally conscious choices. Among its accomplishments, it is one of the first cities in the United States to prohibit gas landscaping equipment; has created a Climate Emergency Mobilization Committee; prohibits polystyrene and required use of decomposable/recyclable materials; has adopted a resolution declaring the City to be a “nuclear-free city”; and prohibited plastic bags at stores prior to the California mandate. The City is currently pursuing “Tree City” certification. 

Global Green will share the roll out of this catalytic program through regular updates from the design and implementation team as well as the residence and interested persons involved in bringing it to life.