Climate Emergency Resolution

District of Squamish Council passed the following Climate Emergency Resolution July 2, 2019:

WHEREAS the earth is currently on track to warm by more than 3 degrees Celsius; and

WHEREAS an October 8, 2018 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) finds that it is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, rather than 2 degrees as previously understood, and that doing so “would require rapid, far- reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society,” and that we have until 2030 to undertake these changes; and

WHEREAS the costs to Squamish for mitigating and adapting to the impact of climate change – including inter alia sea level rise, flooding, wildfire risk, and extreme precipitation – are significant; and

WHEREAS there is significant economic opportunity for our community if Squamish leads the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a modern economy; and

WHEREAS Squamish has taken action on sustainability as a signatory to the Climate Action Charter, the Official Community Plan 2040 identifies 21 specific policies to pursue on climate change adaptation and mitigation, and Squamish sponsored a Climate Emergency Resolution at LMLGA which was endorsed; and

WHEREAS Squamish’s youth are demanding meaningful and just climate action that prioritizes sustainable economics, as well as the health and liveability of the planet for future generations.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED

THAT council recognizes that climate change constitutes an emergency for the District of Squamish; and,

THAT the District of Squamish shall seek to support a transition off of fossil fuels in ways that prioritize those most vulnerable to climate impacts and most in need of support in transitioning to renewable energy; and,

THAT council shall continue to develop policy and demonstrate leadership that directs meaningful action on Squamish’s Climate Emergency Declaration; and

THAT the Climate Emergency Declaration shall be clearly at the heart of all future staff reports and operations; and

THAT council direct staff to report back with the following:

• By the end of 2019, a Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGe) Reduction and Implementation Plan that sets interim reduction targets for community-wide emissions that are in line with the long term goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C as per the 2018 IPCC report (reduction of 45% by 2030, 65% by 2040 and 100% by 2050);
• Once the GHGe Reduction and Implementation Plan is completed, a mechanism to track and publicly report progress on the GHGe Reduction and Implementation Plan; 
• Once the GHGe Reduction and Implementation Plan is complete, a strategy to engage the community in dialogue and action on the GHGe Plan and Targets that will result in drastic reduction of community-wide emissions; 
• Municipal budgets and 5-year financial plans that reflect the urgency of climate change and prioritize taking action locally on mitigation and adaptation;
• In 2020, bring forward options to incentivize better building efficiency and to increase public-accessibility to EV infrastructure;
• Prioritize implementation of the Economic Development Sector Strategy through a lens of climate emergency, sustainability and equitable opportunity.