Berkeley earns 'Global Citizen Award' from U.N.

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Oct 23, 2007

BERKELEY -- The city of Berkeley, a Berkeley laboratory scientist and UC Berkeley students will be honored for environmental and social justice accomplishments Wednesday by the United Nations Association.

The East Bay chapter of the association will present a "Global Citizen Award" to Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates for the city's "innovative and aggressive efforts" to address the climate crisis and other United Nation priorities, event organizers said.

In November, Berkeley voters approved a measure to reduce global warming by 80 percent by 2050. The city this year launched an aggressive campaign to get as many residents and businesses involved in doing their part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"I am honored to receive (the award) on behalf of Berkeley's pioneering efforts to combat climate change and address its impacts on humanity," Bates said.

Other honorees include Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory scientist Ashok Gadgil for his invention of a ultraviolet water disinfection device; a group of UC Berkeley students for a water and public health project in Ecuador; the Oakland Institute; the Pacific Institute for Development, Environment and Security; and the San Francisco Diocese of the Episcopal Church.

The award will be presented Wednesday at the International House on the University of California, Berkeley campus during the association's gala reception and banquet in celebration of the 62nd anniversary of the United Nations. The gala begins at 6 p.m. Visit http://www.unausaeastbay.org or call 510-849-1752 for more information.