NOVEMBER 6, 2019 —

City of Port Angeles Council Meeting Agenda

In the meeting packet .PDF linked above:

Resiliency Plan: Recommendations Addressing Climate Change — p. 78-103

Appendix A: Climate Resolution for the City of Port Angeles — p. 104

Appendix B: Actions for Reducing PT City Government Emissions — p. 106-107

Appendix A: Climate Resolution for the City of Port Angeles

WHEREAS, human activities have warmed the Earth to a point that threatens the stability of our climate and our modern way of life, and in 2018 The Fourth National Climate Assessment states that the Earth’s climate is now changing faster than at any point in the history of modern civilization, primarily as a result of human activities and a failure to act expeditiously that will result in a loss of human life, ecological diversity, and economic growth; and

WHEREAS, climate change has already set into motion changes to the Earth’s system including fresh water scarcity, risks to food security, the extinction of species, billions of climate refugees, the disappearance of island nations, acceleration of ice mass loss resulting in sea level rise, and the destruction of culturally sensitive areas along the Olympic Coast;

WHEREAS, unmitigated climate change will only exacerbate pre-existing political tensions and political instability in regions across the world as well as adversely affecting the most marginalized populations in Port Angeles, including but not limited to; those who are below the poverty line, those who are constantly plagued with financial instability, Tribal nations located on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, those living in flood plains, and those experiencing homelessness, and WHEREAS, justice requires that those who are the largest contributors to the climate crisis carry a commensurate burden in reversing it to protect those most impacted, which includes the active consultation and protection of vulnerable and historically exploited populations in the development and implementation of these efforts; and

WHEREAS, climate change has already resulted in immediate danger to the residents of Port Angeles, from the lasting droughts that cause unnaturally hot and intense wildfires in our temperate rain forests, the plumes of wildfire smoke in the summer months resulting in air quality that has a detrimental effect on the health of all who live on the Olympic Peninsula, and rising king tides that have flooded areas of Clallam County, and;

WHEREAS, the City of Port Angeles has made commitments to adapt to the impacts of climate change, and now must take the same approach to mitigating their impact on the environment through greenhouse gas emission reduction, and the promotion of a carbon neutral economy that is equitable for all residents of Port Angeles.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Port Angeles declares that we will address climate change that threatens our city by reducing city wide greenhouse gas emissions to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, educating residents about climate change, and setting separate benchmarks for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council, in partnership with regional partners and stakeholders will work to invite and promote businesses in efforts to transitioning our local economy to carbon neutral by 2030 while ensuring that all efforts are centered in equity and respect for all community members; and November 6, 2019.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Port Angeles will reach out to elected officials at the county, state, national, and international level to assist with reaching adaptation and mitigation efforts whenever needed, whether it be through obtaining funds at the state and national levels, promoting climate change educational events, or working with our neighbors to the North to ensure our mitigation and adaptation efforts are in line with each other.