That Municipal Council BE REQUESTED to pass a motion, in the spirit of the following, to declare a climate emergency:
“Whereas climate change is currently contributing to billions of dollars in property and infrastructure damage worldwide, stressing local and international economies;
Whereas climate change is currently jeopardizing the health and survival of many species and other natural environments worldwide, stressing local and international eco systems;
Whereas climate change is currently harming human populations through rising sea levels and other extraordinary phenomena like intense wildfires worldwide, stressing local and international communities;
Whereas recent international research has indicated a need for massive reduction in carbon emissions in the next 11 years to avoid further and devastating economic, ecological, and societal loss;
Whereas the climate in Canada is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world, as per Canada’s Changing Climate report;
Whereas current initiatives such as the green of the city’s fleet and energy reduction initiatives are not sufficient to meet the targets as defined by the IPCC scientists,
Whereas an emergency can be defined as "an often dangerous situation requiring immediate action";
Whereas municipalities such as Kingston, Vancouver and Hamilton have already declared climate emergencies;
Therefore, a climate emergency BE DECLARED by the City of London for the purposes of naming, framing, and deepening our commitment to protecting our economy, our eco systems, and our community from climate change.”