Title
Expressing the commitment of the Saint Paul City Council to protect the children and grandchildren of this community from the risks of climate destruction.
Body
WHEREAS, the United States is the only country in the world that is withdrawing from the landmark Paris Climate Agreement, leaving the burden of countering climate change to state and municipal governments;
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, climate change has not and will not impact everyone equally, and some communities, especially those of color and low socioeconomic status, are disproportionately affected by climate change and other environmental hazards;
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 severity and frequency of wildfires, a dramatic increase of refugees from climate impacted lands, and-notably within the city of Saint Paul-a negative impact on Mississippi River ecosystems and wildlife wellbeing, as well as a substantial increase in invasive tree-boring species;
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, Saint Paul, among other initiatives, already has District Energy St. Paul, North America’s largest cogeneration district heating and cooling system, fueled primarily by renewable wood waste; is working to reduce energy use in buildings through Energize Saint Paul: Race to Reduce; is committed to a goal of net zero carbon buildings at the Ford Site; gets its el...
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