As the CRO, Matthew Gonser is focused on tackling extreme heat, flooding, and wildfires while engaging the community and implementing systemic changes to build a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Matthew Gonser, recently appointed as Los Angeles County’s Climate Resilience Officer, brings experience from a similar role in Honolulu and is now tasked with defining the Climate Resilience Initiative approved by the Board of Supervisors. Working within the Chief Sustainability Office, he will focus on addressing critical threats such as extreme heat, wildfires, and flooding, as outlined in the County's Climate Vulnerability Assessment. Gonser emphasizes the importance of long-term commitment and the need to reconsider past decisions to build a resilient future for a region of such local and national significance, viewing this as a leadership opportunity for Los Angeles.
To avoid a "doom and gloom" mentality about climate change, Gonser advocates for community engagement and action, stressing that resilience is about improving everyday quality of life through clean air, reliable water, and connected, affordable communities. While individual efforts like expanding transit choices and conserving resources are essential, he points out that systemic and institutional changes are needed to truly address the scale of the climate crisis, underscoring that climate resilience is a shared responsibility beyond personal choices. In his free time, he looks forward to exploring L.A. by biking, riding transit, and discovering its diverse plant and animal life.
FULL STORY: The Climate Guy
Significant Investments Needed to Protect LA County Residents From Climate Hazards
A new study estimates that LA County must invest billions of dollars before 2040 to protect residents from extreme heat, increasing precipitation, worsening wildfires, rising sea levels, and climate-induced public health threats.
USDOT Launches Climate Adaptation Plan
The plan outlines the department’s key priorities in building resilient infrastructure and ensuring environmental justice in historically disinvested communities.
Improving South Los Angeles Through Strategic Tree Planting
The University of Southern California Urban Trees Initiative is planting 250 trees in South L.A. neighborhoods to improve shade, combat climate change, and enhance community well-being through collaboration and data-driven approaches.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Santa Monica Lowers Speed Limits
Posted speed limits will be reduced by 5 miles per hour on dozens of the city’s streets.
For Some, Co-Housing Offers Social and Economic Benefits
Residents of co-living developments say the built-in community helps ease the growing isolation felt by many Americans.
New Map Puts Bay Area Traffic Data in One Place
The Traffic Monitoring site uses community-collected speed and volume data to reveal traffic patterns on local roads.
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