Resolution - Climate — File 203788

WHEREAS: The City of Somerville desires to protect and enhance quality of life for all those who live, work, learn and play in our community, as well as for our children and grandchildren; and WHEREAS: There is scientific consensus regarding the reality of climate change and the recognition that human activity, especially the combustion of fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases, is an important driver of climate change; and WHEREAS: Climate change has been widely recognized by government, business and academic leaders as a worldwide threat with the potential to harm our economy, safety, public health, and quality of life; and WHEREAS: Many local, regional, and global economies are prioritizing efficiency and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources; and WHEREAS: Actions that reduce climate pollution also have potential to improve air quality, public health, energy security, social equity, our local natural environment, and quality of life for our residents; and WHEREAS: Taking steps to increase energy efficiency and resilience can attract jobs and economic development opportunities to our community and increase our long-term economic competitiveness and wealth; and WHEREAS: The City of Somerville has demonstrated a legacy of leadership against the threat of climate change; and WHEREAS: The 14 cities of the Metro Mayors Coalition, including Somerville, have committed to achieving net-zero/carbon-free status by 2050; and WHEREAS: Several drivers of climate pollution such as the production and use of energy in buildings and transportation can influenced by local governments and the collective action of communities around the world; and WHEREAS: The City of Somerville has already taken a variety of important actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance quality of life in our community, including increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy options for residents; reducing emissions from City operations in buildings, lighting, and vehicle fleet; and planning for Somerville’s long-term resilience to climate change; and WHEREAS: We are joined in taking action on climate change by a global coalition of cities, state and national governments and community and private sector leaders who recognize the importance and potential of these actions to protect and enhance the well-being of current and future generations; and WHEREAS: More than 298 mayors representing more than 61 million Americans have recently re-affirmed their cities’ commitments to climate action; and

WHEREAS: The City of Somerville actively collaborates with other local governments throughout our region, state, nation, and the world to learn from each other and identify win-win opportunities to take action on climate change while creating measurable benefits in our communities; and WHEREAS: 195 countries, including the United States, vowed to address climate change in agreements reached in Paris in December 2015 (the “Paris Agreement”); and WHEREAS: President Donald Trump’s announcement seeking to withdraw the United States of America from the Paris Agreement undermines this critical global effort to confront one of the greatest challenges facing our community and communities all across the one planet we all share; and WHEREAS: The reality of climate change has not been affected by recent political announcements; and WHEREAS: The absence of federal leadership only increases the importance of local leadership in avoiding the most dangerous and costly effects of climate change; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville in conjunction with Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone is re-affirming its commitment to making Somerville a net- zero emitter of climate change-causing greenhouse gas emissions and becoming carbon-neutral by the year 2050; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City of Somerville continues to support the principles of the Paris Agreement and the participation of the United States of America as a party to the Paris Agreement; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City of Somerville will continue to stand with cities and other public and private sector partners throughout the world to advance action in accordance with the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City of Somerville will demonstrate its commitment to fighting and preparing for climate change by developing Somerville Climate Forward, our climate change plan.