A group of Climate Action Muskoka members has developed the following declaration, to be presented to District of Muskoka council in April of 2020. We will be seeking endorsements in the community, from individuals, groups, businesses and NGOs in the coming weeks.
Declaration of Climate Emergency Resolution developed by members of Climate Action Muskoka — Linda Mathers, Melinda Zytaruk, Sue McKenzie, Len Ring
February 19, 2020
WHEREAS the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report ‘Global Warming of 1.5 °C’ states the urgency of keeping global heating below the 1.5C goal and
also acknowledges that the world is currently on track for more than 3ºC increase in temperature rise based on policies that are now in place; and
WHEREAS this current track of climate heating will lead to catastrophic social, economic, cultural and environmental impacts in our community and elsewhere and that the IPCC estimates less than 11 years to avoid the worst impacts of climate change; and
WHEREAS many municipalities across Ontario and Canada understand the major benefits of and the need to be at the forefront of action on climate change, with many having declared a climate emergency already; and
WHEREAS much of the financial damage associated with climate change will come from impacts to municipal core infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water, wastewater and storm water systems and from destruction of natural infrastructure; and
WHEREAS it is necessary not only to reduce carbon emissions, but also to increase community resiliency in the face of climate change, and that these approaches can offer multiple benefits
including improved health and air quality, increased innovation, economic development and reduced costs in the long run; and
WHEREAS many people in Muskoka have demonstrated a strong interest and commitment to address climate change and continue to make Muskoka a leader in environmental action and protection;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the District of Muskoka officially
- Declare a Climate Emergency immediately to name and deepen the District’s commitment to protecting our economy, our community, and our eco systems from the
impacts of climate heating; and - Develop a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to reduce corporate and community greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), which includes the identification of firm, ambitious targets with a
goal of greater than 50% reduction of GHG emissions by 2030 and reaching zero GHG emissions by 2050; commit to becoming a drawdown/regenerative community, taking an active role in the repair and regeneration of our systems, including in the areas of the built environment, natural infrastructure, land use, transportation, energy, waste,
health, and food security; and - Support and participate in the establishment of a Community Working Group, which will provide input to the CAP and will assist in the regular review and updating of the CAP as the science evolves. The Community Working Group should be diverse and representative of the Muskoka community; be balanced according to gender, age, ethnic background, geography, economic status; learn from Indigenous knowledge and leadership; and include scientists and other key stakeholders.
- Collaborate with other municipal governments, institutions and industry associations to improve standards and protocols that can positively address climate adaptation and mitigation; and
- Seek and secure funding opportunities from both internal and external sources for 2020 and beyond to adequately finance climate actions necessary to meet 2030 and 2050 emission reduction targets; and
- Commit to putting climate action at the forefront of all decision-making, large and small, working to achieve community resiliency, equity, reconciliation, and leaving no one behind. Require all future reports to council to include a section titled Climate Change Implications that will identify how the recommendations will contribute to meeting the objectives of the CAP; and
- Work with other community stakeholders to educate the public at large about steps that can be taken by individuals and businesses to reduce GHGs; and
- Urge both Provincial and Federal governments and opposition parties to work rapidly to deliver the GHG emission reductions needed to keep global heating below the 1.5C goal to minimize the life-threatening impacts of climate change. Forward a copy of the resolution to the Premier of Ontario, the Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and Parry Sound Muskoka representatives Hon. Norm Miller MPP, and Hon. Scott Aitchison MP.
Endorse Here
Click the links below to answer a few questions confirming your endorsement or your group’s endorsement. You will receive an email confirmation. Thank you.
Individual Endorsement | Group Endorsement
Questions? Email us at climateactionmuskoka@gmail.com. Thank you for your interest and support.