HomeMy Public PortalAbout004-2021 - Climate - Grant RESOLUTION NO. 004-2021
CLIMATE RESOLUTION FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND
A RESOLUTION TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS,INCREASE ENERGYk
EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY USE,AND TO CREATE A CLIMATE
CHANGE RESILIENT CITY OF RICHMOND,INDIANA THAT WILL PROTECT THE
COMMUNITY AND ITS CITIZENS.
WHEREAS nonrenewable fossil resources are finite by definition, so a shift to clean renewable
energy is inevitable; and
WHEREAS there is strong scientific evidence that human emissions and activities are the cause
of present day climate change, reaffirmed by five climate assessments released by the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and according to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration(NOAA), it has been 800,000 years since carbon has been so highly
concentrated in the atmosphere; and
WHEREAS the impacts of climate change can already be seen at local, national, and global
levels, as evidenced by: extreme weather events, abnormal temperatures,reduced air and water
quality, changes in precipitation, species extinction,threats to biodiversity, and forced migration
of vulnerable populations; and
WHEREAS the effects of climate change will not likely be equally distributed and communities
that already face socioeconomic and health inequities,whether around the world or in Richmond,
will be most severely impacted; and
-a,
WHEREAS the risks from an inadequate and/or late response will be devastating to the
environment and the economy due to damage done to property and crucial infrastructure,
negative impacts on human health and productivity, negative effects on sectors such as
agriculture and tourism, and additional stress on resources like water and energy; and
WHEREAS the COVID-19 global pandemic has shown that much of the world is unprepared for
a global crisis, and it is essential to begin combatting, responding, and adapting to the existing
and quickly worsening impacts of climate change immediately; and
WHEREAS the Purdue Climate Change Research Center has determined that under continued
"no action" carbon emissions, the Midwest should expect increased risks to public health,
infrastructure, and agriculture due to increased heat wave intensity and frequency,more extreme
droughts, increased heavy rain and flooding, decreasing agricultural yield, and degrading air and
water quality; and
WHEREAS according to the 2020 Indiana Kids Count Data Book, about 26%of Richmond's
youth live in poverty,making them at risk for adverse health and developmental outcomes such
as impaired cognitive, emotional, and social functioning, as well as putting them at risk for
environmental toxins and inadequate nutrition; and
WHEREAS climate action attracts jobs and economic development opportunities that will
positively contribute to the development of a sustainable, livable city with a strengthened
economy and higher quality of living, as well as increase the efficiency of vehicles,buildings,
electricity, and the community of Richmond; and
WHEREAS several policies and initiatives relating to climate change and the natural
environment have already been outlined in the recently passed Comprehensive Plan for the City
of Richmond, including the conservation of natural areas, encouraging the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging the development of citywide sustainability and resiliency
strategies, and accommodating for solar parks.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of
Richmond, Indiana, as follows:
1. The City of Richmond will adopt a Climate Action Plan as a roadmap for the city to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, implement climate related programs and policies, and prepare
for the impacts of climate change on the local economy, public health, infrastructural
development, and ecosystems in the Richmond community by the end of 2021.
2. The City of Richmond will work to hire a Sustainability Coordinator who will manage
and implement a variety of sustainability programs to ensure that goals are met, which
hiring shall be contingent upon sufficient funds and other budgetary considerations.
Sustainability Coordinators will be advocating,for climate action, appropriately placed
alternative energy sources,pollution reduction, and energy efficiency which can save the
city a significant amount of money.
3. The City of Richmond will implement strategies to improve infrastructure and several
different modes of transportation such as walking, biking, carpooling, and public
transportation to reduce greenhouse,gas emissions.
4. The City of Richmond will use the data from the tree inventory to set planting goals,
update requirements (like planting native species), and enhance
recommendations/guidelines for tree planting in new developments.
5. The City of Richmond will continue to financially support initiatives and activities
throughout the city that promote reusing,recycling, composting,reductions in carbon
footprints, ensure water and air quality standards, and local food systems (Richmond
Farmers Market).
6. The City of Richmond will engage community leaders,business leaders, faith leaders,
youth leaders, members of the community, and elected officials in the development and
implementation of the Climate Action Plan and other efforts described in this resolution.
Passed and adopted this /1 day of 51/1.a—cr) ,201_,by the Common Council
of the City of Richmond, Indiana.
_ C?"• arry Parker, President
ATTEST:
(Karen Chasteen, IAMC, MMC)
Presented to the Mayor of the City of Richmond, Indiana on this /9 day of L�-- ,
r at 9/vG ,rt
(Karen Chasteen, IAMC, MMC)
APPROVED by me, David M. Snow, Mayor of the City of Richmond, Indiana on this r D day
of /✓''4`� ,201 at /d: 4,�
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(David M. Snow, ayor
ATTEST.
(Karen Chasteen, IAMC, MMC)