This morning a delegation of West Grey residents asked their council to declare a climate emergency, and to take action. Dyan Jones made the following speech before her resolution (below) was unanimously passed by the Committee of the Whole.
"Good Morning Madam Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councilors, Municipal Staff and Fine Citizens of West Grey, Ontario, Canada, Planet Earth.
"We are a community delegation, coming before our Council with this vital request. Please act now to formally acknowledge and declare the Global Climate Change Emergency. This gives sanction to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel Report on the environment that all governments must act responsibly now and with conviction to lower carbon emmissions. We must plan for immediate actions to adapt and mitigate the impact of Climate Breakdown. Our future is bearing witness right here in these Council Chambers. We all have important work to accomplish for those who are still too young to vote.
"Think globally, act locally. Of all levels of government it is this first tier, our local municipal government that can implement effective best practices with a goal of achieving a reduction in carbon emissions in the Earth’s atmosphere. The UN IPCC Report is startling. It is imperative to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% within 10 years and be carbon neutral by 2050. This is essential and most imminent. Our daily lives are being impacted by the Change in Earth’s Climate.
"We will be joining a determined and enlightened 822 (and growing) municipalities, towns and cities as both neighbours and global collaborators who are committing to draft best policy, plan strategically, shape governance, and encourage and motivate residents to work together in this crisis. It is a society-wide mobilization of resources at sufficient scale and speed to protect all people, species and eco-systems from climate impacts.
"Municipalities will bare the burden of much of the financial damage triggered by climate change because of a dramatic increase in costs associated with road maintenance, inland flooding, water quality, winter recreation, and bridges. Climate crisis solutions not only reduce carbon output, but they also offer multiple benefits including improved health and air quality, greater community resilience, economic development and reduced costs.
"At this time of action, West Grey’s Strategic Plan can be committed to Climate Change reduction, policies adopted, all staff and departments mandated to implement best practices and residents educated in playing their individual part. Measurable checks and balances must be put in place to keep us on target, not just simple lip service. Making the declaration means nothing without real concrete supporting action. We must be future ready. I understand that West Grey has pledged to form a new Sustainability Advisory Committee. Establishing a fact-based Action Plan for Fighting Climate Crisis in West Grey could be a core mandate. We are all in this Emergency together.
"I am honoured that we have community representation from our youth who wish to come forward briefly and speak to you today as well. They deserve their say because this is their future!
"I commend you Madam Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillors and Municipal Staff and fine citizens for your good thoughts and intentions and implore you all to take this courageous action. We thank you!"
Jones' speech was followed by brief comments by residents Athens Batten, Lydia Dyck and Amalia Stoltzfus Forand.
West Grey Declaration for Climate Change Emergency Resolution
Whereas the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report states that the world has less than 12 years to avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis; and
Whereas municipalities will bare the burden of much of the financial damage associated with climate change because of a dramatic increase in costs of road maintenance, inland flooding, water quality, winter recreation, and bridges; and
Whereas municipalities across Canada and Ontario are acting on climate change, and since January 2019 more than 822 municipalities, towns, cities and countries world-wide have declared a climate emergency;
Now therefore be it resolved that the Municipality of West Grey officially declares a climate crisis to name and deepen our commitment to protecting our economy, our community, and our eco systems, from the climate crisis. Climate crisis solutions not only reduce carbon output, but they also offer multiple benefits including improved health and air quality, greater community resilience, economic development and reduced costs; and
Be it further resolved that the Municipality of West Grey directs the West Grey Sustainability Advisory Committee to work with stakeholders through consultation to develop a fact-based measurable Climate Action Plan for fighting the climate crisis in West Grey; and
That a copy of the resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Association of Municipalities Ontario, the local MPP Bill Walker, MP Larry Miller and the Minister of Government and Consumer Services.
source: West Grey agenda of July 30th, 2019
