HomeMy WebLinkAbout22-017 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 2022/01/18Resolution No. 22-017
Resolution
declaring a climate emergency in St. Louis Park, Minnesota
January 18, 2022
Whereas, St. Louis Park has just this past year experienced numerous climate change
related impacts including a record June heat wave, a December tornado watch, dangerous air
quality from drought-fueled forest fires where even healthy people were encouraged to remain
inside, and water restrictions from the same drought, making it clear that the climate crisis is
not only a future issue — it is affecting us here and now; and
Whereas, extreme weather has created new challenges for St. Louis Park’s infrastructure
and finances and poses a threat to the economic vitality of our residents and businesses; and
Whereas, the greatest burden from an inadequate response to the climate crisis is felt by
historically marginalized or underserved communities as well as the youngest generation,
including the children and grandchildren of St. Louis Park; and
Whereas, in Minnesota, the ten warmest and wettest years ever recorded have all
occurred since 1998, warming surface waters are leading to a significant loss of fish habitat for
many prominent species as well as increasing the risk of harmful algae blooms, forests are
changing as native northern species are strained by warming temperatures, crops are stressed
by cycles of drought and floods, home insurance rates are rising far faster than the national
average from an average of $368 in 1998 to $1,348 in 2015, and faster warming winters are
leading to new pests as well as shorter winter recreation seasons; and
Whereas, the bi-partisan Next Generation Energy Act, passed by the Minnesota State
Legislature and signed by then Governor Tim Pawlenty in 2007, committed our State to
achieving to an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050; and
Whereas, our State did not meet its 2015 goal, and is not yet on track to reach our future
targets; and
Whereas, in April 2016 world leaders from 175 countries, including the United States,
recognized the threat of climate change and the urgent need to combat it by signing the Paris
Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, agreeing to
“pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius”; and
Whereas, we have already reached a temperature increase of nearly 1.1 degrees Celsius
(nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit) as compared to pre-industrial times and the death and
destruction already wrought by this level of global warming demonstrate that the Earth is
already too hot for a safe, just, and healthy life for many around the world, as attested by
increased and intensifying wildfires, floods, rising seas, diseases, droughts, and extreme
weather; and
Whereas, in August 2021 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the
United Nations body responsible for assessing the science related to climate change, released a
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Resolution No. 22-017 2
report that stated, “It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere and
land,” and that “Human influence has warmed the climat e at a rate that is unprecedented in at
least the last 2000 years,” and “with every additional increment of global warming, changes in
extremes continue to become larger”; and
Whereas, recent scientific research indicates that to achieve the goal of limiting
temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, carbon emissions must be halved by 2030 and
reach net zero global emissions by 2050; and
Whereas, a transition to a clean energy economy, if not carefully planned, would have a
disruptive impact on the livelihoods of many in our community while a well-planned transition
may provide expanded job opportunities for local residents; and
Whereas, federal Justice40 guidelines and screening tools are forthcoming, which will
direct 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to
disadvantaged communities; and
Whereas, local community organizations will have opportunities t o receive Justice40
benefits, and the City of St. Louis Park can increase awareness of Justice40 and help build
capacity for organizations to take full advantage of Justice40; and
Whereas, St. Louis Park strategic priorities include commitments to being a leader in racial
equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all and in
environmental stewardship; and
Whereas, 2,012 jurisdictions in 34 countries including Minnesota leaders Duluth,
Minneapolis, and Crystal Bay Township, have already declared climate emergencies in order to
focus attention on the need for rapid action to address climate change;
Now therefore be it resolved that St. Louis Park declares that a climate emergency
threatens our city, region, state, nation, humanity and the natural world.
Be it further resolved St. Louis Park commits to working for a just transition and climate
emergency mobilization effort and will:
Implement a range of innovative projects, programs, and public awareness campaigns
for businesses and residents throughout 2022 and beyond, including around solar
energy, energy efficiency, natural resources, and more.
Use this declaration as the launch for a “2022 Year of Climate Action” in St. Louis Park
that will spur increased engagement through community-wide events.
Collaborate with surrounding cities and local partners to identify larger, regional
sustainability projects, and when applicable, work together to pursue state and federal
climate action funding for those projects.
Support the counties and cities across the state joining this declaration to meet
regularly, share ideas, and align goals to continue advocating for state and federal
legislation.
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Resolution No. 22-017 3
Use all available tools to ensure climate action in St. Louis Park is equitable and just,
including but not limited to consideration of inclusive involvement and engagement,
policy and program design, populations and people who are more likely to benefit or be
burdened, and accessible communications.
Advocate for the federal Justice40 guidelines and screening tool to be released as soon
as possible and communicate the importance of this initiative with fellow communities,
local leaders, and state representatives, while strengthening relationships with
community organizations that would benefit from Justice40 funding.
Be it further resolved St. Louis Park calls on the Minnesota legislature and executive
branch to immediately and aggressively take action through policymaking and funding to
support cities of all sizes around Minnesota to both mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate
change, including providing funding and resources for the development and implementation of
climate action plans.
Be it further resolved St. Louis Park calls on the federal government to immediately
commit resources to support the climate mitigation, adaptation and resiliency efforts of cities
large and small, to invest in the infrastructure needed for a su stainable future, to ensure that
investment is at the scale needed, and to provide the necessary global leadership to keep global
warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council on January 18, 2022
Kim Keller, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
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