Letter from the Director

i " By the time today's children reach middle age, it is extremely likely that Earth's life-support systems, critical for human prosperity and existence will be irretrievably damaged by the magnitude, global extent, and combination of these human-caused environmental stressors, unless we take concrete, immediate actions to ensure a sustainable, high-quality future. "-Scientists' Consensus on Maintaining Humanity's Life Support Systems for the 21 st Century May 2013 " There is high confidence that neither adaptation nor mitigation alone can avoid all climate change impacts; however, they can complement each other and together can significantly reduce the risks of climate change. "-Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Synthesis Report 4, Summary for Policymakers " The idea that somebody could just walk! He can jog perhaps in the morning, but he can't walk anywhere! The world has become inaccessible because we drive there. "-Ivan Illich " Information is a difference that makes a difference. "-Gregory Bateson The Governor's Office of Planning and Research is pleased to provide the discussion draft of the 2013 Governor's Environmental Goals and Policy Report. This report considers California's future as home to 50 million people, a milestone the state is projected to hit by the middle of this century. The Report focuses on the state's sustainability efforts across California as part of our multi-faceted response to climate change, which includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safeguarding the state from inevitable changes. Looking ahead, the state is poised to grow its population and economy, while protecting the environment for current and future generations. This document helps to guide that course. In addition, we are developing an extensive array of indicators of many aspects of environmental health for the state that will help us evaluate progress to our goals. This is, first and foremost, a discussion draft. We seek input from all parts of California and all aspects of our economy, population, and environment. We'd like your views on the Report, the goals, policies, and indicators of environmental health. Please let us know what you think. Send comments to: ca.50m@opr.ca.gov We look forward to hearing from you.