Whereas the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on October 8, 2018 has urged the world to reduce the level of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 45% before 2030 as compared to 2010 to ensure that there is not more than a 1.5 degree increase in global average temperatures above preindustrial levels and to reach net zero by 2050; and,
Whereas there is a need for urgent and transformative action to reduce GHG emissions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees to avoid catastrophic climate change; and,
Whereas climate change is currently responsible for billions of dollars in property damage worldwide, negatively affecting local and international economies; and,
Whereas climate change is threatening human civilization through rising sea levels, poor air quality, intense wild fires, heat events, unpredictable droughts and heavy rains; and,
Whereas climate change will impact human health through increased injury and death from extreme weather and temperature events and increased rates of vector-borne diseases from a climate more favourable to vectors; and,
Whereas climate change contributes to poor air quality that will exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and increased rates of illness through food and water contamination; and,
Whereas these health impacts from climate change will worsen health inequities by disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as seniors, children, those experiencing social or economic isolation, and those with chronic health conditions or disabilities or both:
Now therefore be it resolved:
- That the Town of Newmarket officially declare a climate emergency for the purpose of naming and deepening our commitment to the protection of our environment, economy, and community from the impacts of climate change; and,
- That the Town of Newmarket officially declare a climate emergency for the purpose of expressing our commitment to reduce emissions across our Town, including both the emitters within the Towns control and all those who consider Newmarket to be their community such that the whole community can benefit from the ancillary opportunities such as economic growth, stimulation in the low carbon economy, and cost savings which are created by reducing emissions; and,
- That in response to this declaration, Council direct staff to ensure that the Town of Newmarket’s Community Energy Plan is utilized as a platform for public engagement and community collaboration in our collective efforts to reduce GHG emissions. Council also direct staff to proactively engage our entire staff team to reduce GHG emissions as outlined in the Community Energy Plan and present additional opportunities relating to increased GHG and energy reductions to Council for consideration as they arise.