Number
170337
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. MURPHY, KOVAC, BAUMAN, JOHNSON, AND BOHL
Title
Substitute resolution expressing the City’s support for the Paris Climate Accord.
Analysis
The City of Milwaukee re-affirms its commitment to taking action to reduce climate pollution in alignment with the City’s energy efficiency and renewable energy goals. The City of Milwaukee also continues to support the principles of the Paris Climate Accord, the participation of the United States of America as a party to the Accord, and stands with cities and other public and private sector partners throughout the world to advance action in accordance with the goals outlined in the Accord.
Body
Whereas, The Common Council desires to protect and enhance the quality of life for all those who live, work, learn and play in Milwaukee, now and for future generations; and
Whereas, There is scientific consensus regarding the reality of climate change and the recognition that human activity, especially the combustion of fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases, is an important driver of climate change; and
Whereas, Climate change has been widely recognized by government, business and academic leaders as a worldwide threat with the potential to harm economies, public safety, public health, and quality of life; and
Whereas, Cities have a major impact on greenhouse gas emissions through land use planning, transportation systems, building codes, and city services like drinking water, street lights, wastewater treatment plants and building energy use; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee has demonstrated a record of leadership against the threat of climate change by adopting goals of achieving 25% renewable energy in city buildings along with a 20% energy-use reduction, and has taken a variety of important actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
Whereas, Actions that reduce the combustion of fossil fuels and the release of greenhouse gases in Milwaukee, including prioritizing efficiency and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources, have the potential to improve air quality, public health, energy security, social equity, local natural environments, and quality of life for city residents; and
Whereas, Improving energy efficiency and resilience to potential disruptions in energy production can attract jobs and economic development opportunities to Milwaukee, and increase Milwaukee’s long-term economic competitiveness and wealth; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee is joined in taking action on climate change by a global coalition of cities, state and national governments and community and private sector leaders who recognize the importance and potential of these actions to protect and enhance the well-being of current and future generations; and
Whereas, One hundred and ninety-five countries, including the United States, vowed to address climate change in agreements reached in Paris in December 2015 (the “Paris Climate Accord”); and
Whereas, The reality of climate change has not been affected by recent political announcements nor by the United States’ potential withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord; and
Whereas, The absence of federal leadership only increases the importance of local leadership in avoiding the most dangerous and costly effects of climate change; and
Whereas, More than 246 mayors representing more than 56 million Americans, including Mayor Tom Barrett on behalf of the City of Milwaukee, have recently re-affirmed their cities’ commitments to climate action and to upholding the goals enshrined in the Paris Climate Accord; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City of Milwaukee re-affirms its commitment to taking action to reduce climate pollution in alignment with the City’s energy efficiency and renewable energy goals; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City of Milwaukee continues to support the principles of the Paris Climate Accord and the participation of the United States of America as a party to the Paris Climate Accord; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City of Milwaukee will continue to stand with cities and other public and private sector partners throughout the world to advance action in accordance with the goals outlined in the Paris Climate Accord.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB168775-2
Dana J. Zelazny
June 8, 2017