HomeMy WebLinkAbout20-19 RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles,
Washington, addressing climate concerns.
WHEREAS, in 2018 The Fourth National Climate Assessment states that the Earth's
climate is now changing faster than at any point in the history of modem civilization, primarily as a
result of human activities and a failure to act expeditiously that will result in a loss of human life,
ecological diversity, and economic growth; and
WHEREAS, climate change has already set into motion changes to the Earth's system
including fresh water scarcity, risks to food security, the extinction of species, millions of climate
refugees, the disappearance of island nations, acceleration of ice mass loss resulting in sea level rise,
and the destruction of culturally sensitive areas along the Olympic Coast; and
WHEREAS, unmitigated climate change will only exacerbate pre-existing political
tensions and political instability in regions across the world as well as adversely affecting the most
marginalized populations in Port Angeles, including but not limited to; those who are below the
poverty line, those who are constantly plagued with financial instability, Tribal nations located on
the Strait of Juan de Fuca, those living in flood plains, and those experiencing homelessness; and
WHEREAS, justice requires that those who are the largest contributors to climate
change carry a commensurate burden in reversing it to protect those most impacted, including
the active consultation with them in the development and implementation of these efforts; and
WHEREAS, climate change has already resulted in immediate danger to the residents
of Port Angeles, from the lasting droughts that cause unnaturally hot and intense wildfires in our
temperate rainforests, the plumes of wildfire smoke in the summer months resulting in air quality
that has a detrimental effect on the health of all who live on the Olympic Peninsula, and rising
king tides that have flooded areas of Clallam County; and
WHEREAS, the City of Port Angeles has made commitments to adapt to the impacts of
climate change, and now must take the same approach to mitigating their impact on the
environment through greenhouse gas emission reduction, and the promotion of a carbon neutral
economy that is equitable for all residents of Port Angeles.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Port Angeles declares
that we will address climate change by adopting actions that reduce city wide greenhouse gas
emissions, educating residents about climate change, and setting separate benchmarks for climate
adaptation and mitigation efforts; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council will work with regional
governments, organizations and businesses in efforts to transition our local economy to carbon
neutral by 2030 while ensuring that all efforts are centered in equity and respect for all community
members; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Port Angeles will cooperate and
coordinate with other elected officials in the region to ensure our climate mitigation and adaptation
efforts are in line with each other.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Port Angeles at a regular meeting of said Council
held on the 6th day of November, 2019.
Sissi Bruch, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kari Martinez-Bail Cit Jerk >
i APPR ED AS TO F .
William E. Bloor, City Attorney
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