Motion passed unanimously today, with small amendments and support from the David Suzuki Foundation and Voters Taking Action on Climate Change, calling on Canada to take a leadership role and a strong, clear position on domestic emissions reduction targets in the lead up to the last round of COP 15 negotiations in Copenhagen this month.
WHEREAS:
1. Climate change is one of the most serious environmental, economic and social justice threats we face today on the planet;2. The impacts of climate change as well as the responsibility for mitigation will fall primarily on municipalities;
3. World leaders are meeting on December 7th, 2009 in Copenhagen,Denmark to negotiate terms and conditions of a global climate agreement for the period after 2012 (i.e., after the Kyoto Protocol);
4. Scientists and environmental groups across Canada have endorsed the Kyoto Plus principles as a minimum standard for reducing climate emissions;
5. Visible expressions of public support are essential to enable our political leaders to take bold action and reach agreement in Copenhagen; and
6. The City of Vancouver has endorsed the Greenest City Action Team “Quick Start Recommendation” to be a strong national voice on taking action to stop climate change.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
1. THAT the City of Vancouver send a strong message to the Government of Canada of the importance to the citizens and businesses of the City of Vancouver of a world-wide climate agreement. Specifically at a minimum Canada:
• Support cutting national greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30 per cent, relative to the 1990 level, by 2020 and make these targets legally binding; and
• Legislate a credible plan to meet our domestic 2020 target including a just price on greenhouse gas pollution; world-leading regulations and effective investments to cut greenhouse gas pollution from vehicles, buildings and other sectors; strong measures in support of energy conservation and renewable energy, and urgent measures to minimize climate change impacts on people and ecosystems here and abroad.
2. THAT Vancouver City Council encourage municipalities across Canada to join the City of Vancouver in requesting the Federal Government to make every effort to reach an international agreement on climate change that is socially just, gender equitable and scientifically defensible;
3. THAT Vancouver City Council urge the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to rally the support of its membership and send a strong message to the Federal Government of Canada of the importance to the citizens and businesses of a world-wide climate agreement
Comments