HomeMy WebLinkAbout16-067 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 2016/05/16RESOLUTION NO. 16-067
RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE COMMITMENT OF
THE ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL
TO PROTECT THE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN OF THIS COMMUNITY
FROM THE RISKS OF CLIMATE DESTRUCTION
WHEREAS, 195 countries, including the United States and every country that is a member
of the United Nations, reached an agreement in Paris, France on December 12, 2015 that
recognizes the risk to our children's and grandchildren's future from climate change;
WHEREAS, the greatest burden resulting from an inadequate response to the climate crisis
will be carried by the youngest generation, and all who follow;
WHEREAS, the risks from an inadequate response are potentially devastating, and include
economic and environmental disruptions, many of which are already being felt such as more severe
storms, longer and hotter heat waves, worsening flood and drought cycles, growing invasive
species and insect problems, accelerated species extinction rates, rising sea levels, increased
wildfires, and a dramatic increase in refugees from climate impacted lands;
WHEREAS, leading climate scientists have indicated that further delay in significantly
reducing greenhouse gas emissions will rapidly push humanity past the point where disastrous
consequences can be avoided;
WHEREAS, numerous governmental and non-governmental bodies across the nation and
the world have already adopted climate action plans to immediately and rapidly reduce greenhouse
gas emissions while also stopping them entirely within 25 years;
WHEREAS, youth of St. Louis Park have brought to Council a Youth Climate Report
Card highlighting the gap between what we are doing today and actions that would be necessary
to protect their. future;
WHEREAS, youth of St. Louis Park have indicated a willingness to work with City
Council on such actions;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Louis Park City Council commits
to working constructively, using ingenuity, innovation, and courageous determination to create a
St. Louis Park Climate Action Plan for consideration that significantly reduces St. Louis Park's
greenhouse gas emissions to levels that would protect our community's children and grandchildren
from the risk of climate destruction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City Council commits to start the St. Louis Park
Climate Action Plan creation process within 30 days, and to complete it as soon as possible.
actions.
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a mechanism will be created for the ongoing
\young people in the process of creating and executing climate related policies and
City Manager
Attest:
atL J.
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Melis a Kenned , Ci Clerk