WHEREAS the Township of Brock supports the position that scientific evidence supports the conclusion that human activities are greatly altering the conditions for life on earth; and,
WHEREAS climate change is a well documented issue that poses risks to the environmental, economic and the social well-being of communities across the world; and,
WHEREAS there is an urgent need for transformative action to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming and avoid catastrophic climate change, which is leading to increased heat, drought, insect outbreaks, wildfires, flooding, extreme weather events and declining water supplies; and,
WHEREAS efforts across many levels of government and industry have yet to achieve the speed and scale necessary to achieve the targets of the Paris Agreement to limit global average temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius; and,
WHEREAS climate change will impact human health due to extreme weather, temperature, and vector-borne diseases; and,
WHEREAS the health impacts on those most susceptible or vulnerable will be greatly increased such as children, seniors, those experiencing economic or social barriers such as isolation and those with disabilities or both; and,
WHEREAS the options for reducing GHG provides opportunities to improve human and ecological health, social inequity, and economic diversity; and,
WHEREAS the Township of Brock participated in the Region led development of the community climate action plan along with other municipalities within Durham Region to guide the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient Region while realizing significant economic benefits including household cost savings and job creation; and,
WHEREAS Brock Township can join the over 500 Canadian municipalities who have declared a climate emergency and are implementing programs to reduce their community’s contributions to global carbon emissions.
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT the Township of Brock officially declare a climate emergency for the purpose of naming and deepening our commitment to the protection of our economy, ecosystems, and communities from the impacts of climate change; and,
THAT the Township of Brock officially declare a climate emergency for the purpose of expressing our commitment to reduce GHG emissions across the whole Township, both within the Township’s control and those who consider Brock to be their community; and,
THAT projects that will help achieve GHG reductions be considered a priority during budget discussions; and,
THAT the Township makes sustainability and climate action a strategic lens through which we view and evaluate all Brock decisions through such activities as the creation of the new strategic plan for the incoming Council in 2022; and,
That sustainability and climate action be considered as part of the definition of a “healthy community” and form a fundamental premise for policy directions in the updated Official Plan review study process currently taking place; and,
THAT staff ensure the Township of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge Integrated Community Sustainability Plan is utilized as a platform for public engagement and community collaboration to respond to this emergency and if possible that the plan be refreshed; and,
THAT meaningful climate action build on the support of the community and in respect of Indigenous Peoples’ human rights and that Traditional Ecological Knowledge be applied where possible; and,
THAT the Township continues to demonstrate leadership and commitment to economic, social and environmental sustainability.