Today, Mayor Ted Wheeler announced the first draft of a Climate Emergency Declaration is available online for public review and comment until March 16, 2020.
For more than 25 years, the City of Portland has taken pride in its legacy as a leader in addressing climate change. The effects of climate change and its science are indisputable and combatting it will require us to challenge many elements of the status quo, including the way that we approach climate action. This is why, in an effort toward increased collaboration with community, Mayor Wheeler directed the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability in October 2019 to work with local groups, residents, City bureaus and partner agencies to gather more feedback on what Portland should include in its Climate Emergency Declaration.
“Youth activists, community leaders and city leaders all agree this Climate Emergency Declaration is critical. That’s why we are acting with urgency on the issue and understand how the City’s role must shift toward taking even bolder actions that center communities on the frontlines of climate change,” said Mayor Wheeler. “We’re continuing to take decisive and collective action to address the climate crisis, which is incumbent upon government and business leaders, large institutions and residents as well.”
The draft Climate Emergency Declaration recognizes the leadership of frontline communities who bear the worst burden of climate change and sets a new trajectory for the future of the City’s climate action work.
Portlanders can submit comments, suggested edits and feedback through the online comment form. A summary of public comments will be posted online periodically for review. Check the Climate Action website for updates.
City of Portland Actions Addressed in the Draft Declaration:
- Seek to support and advance climate justice and climate action initiatives led by the community, especially frontline communities of color and youth.
- Pursue partnerships with youth-serving organizations to support a youth-led summit on climate in 2020.
- Establish a new, ongoing governance structure that guides City, County and community efforts to meet the 2030 carbon emission reduction goals.
- Amends the City’s emission reduction targets to at least 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions before 2050.
This draft Climate Emergency Declaration is meant to articulate how the City of Portland will approach this climate emergency, and the community-centered process we will undertake to develop the next set of actions to tackle climate change. Mayor Wheeler welcomes community input to help refine the draft further.
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