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The accepted plan will include an updated energy transition strategy with a 10-year path, a carbon accounting system, technical analysis to find significant emission reductions and industry engagement. Councillors voted Tuesday to move the deadline for the new strategy up a few months to the spring and receive an interim report in December on what could be implemented sooner.

As part of the state of emergency, the city will update the public on climate action progress through quarterly memos posted online.

“This is a scary issue at times. It’s a source of disquiet. We heard that loud and clear, particularly from young people worried about their future,” Iveson said during the meeting. “And from their parents, who like me, are fielding tough questions from their kids about why we haven’t done more, why is this getting harder and not easier? But this is the grand challenge of our time and this is the opportunity for leadership and problem-solving and for bold action.”

Council echoed his belief the city has a proven track record for adapting, especially in home building and commercial construction, and is up for the task.

“We can and have already produced some of the best buildings in the country, if not the world, that are performing to the kind of standards that we’re saying need to be in place,” Iveson said. “We have to have that courage to demand that level of innovation not yet applied.”

As for what residents can expect to see changed, Iveson said the city will look to move aggressively on carbon-neutral buildings, electrification of city vehicles and new sources of electricity.

“We’ve already done some work in this area. The question is how do we get to the targets by 2030 instead of 2050,” he said. “The timelines are dwindling.”

It’s a chance for economic gain in exporting technologies as well as standing out as a suitable option for investors to set up shop, said Iveson, noting substantial costs associated with inaction. An example of that being flood mitigation investment around the world, including $1.6 billion in Edmonton as a direct result of climate change.

Paquette said his motion to declare a state of emergency stemmed from the numerous phone calls and emails he received from concerned residents over the last few weeks and it was council’s role to acknowledge this.

Residents of all ages were on hand to show their support for the move, including several members of the climate change movement Extinction Rebellion who said this is a giant step forward but they will continue to hold the city accountable.

“We’re facing huge risks to our way of life, we are facing mass human suffering. There’s nothing more alarming than that,” said advocate Chris Gusen. “It’s not about habits anymore. It’s about big shifts and it’s about big things that only the government can do.”