San Francisco Department of the Environment

The mission of the San Francisco Department of the Environment is to provide solutions that advance climate protection and enhance quality of life for all San Franciscans. Our environmental vision is expressed simply as "0-50-100 Roots" - we must achieve 0 waste, take at least 50% of our trips sustainably, and use 100% renewable energy while reducing consumption. While those goals are about being less harmful to the planet, our "Roots" goal is about healing the planet by protecting nature's diversity, planting trees and promoting soil health to absorb carbon and restore natural systems. The Department's ambitious plan to achieve our vision and ensure we are meeting the needs of all San Franciscans includes strengthening community resilience, promoting healthy communities and ecosystems, eliminating waste, amplifying community action and ultimately securing a carbon free and healthy future for our children.

Debbie Raphael is the Director of the San Francisco Department of the Environment and believes that cities can take bold action to address environmental harm. A scientist by training and public servant by profession, Debbie has spent more than twenty years working in government to ensure that everyone has an equal right to a safe and healthy environment. As Director of the San Francisco Department of the Environment, Debbie sees herself as both a leader and a collaborator around environmental issues. She works in close partnership with other City agencies and community stakeholders to implement San Francisco's ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals while advancing policies and programs that are inclusive of diverse communities and build on the City's innovative and pioneering spirit. Debbie was appointed by Mayor Edwin M. Lee in 2014 and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master's Degree in Physiological Plant Ecology from UCLA.

FAITH JOURNEY