FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 9, 2020
CONTACTS:
Jean Boucher, 703-665-9179, JLB964@gmail.com – Extinction Rebellion Phoenix Claire Nelson, 480-630-1467, clairenelsonaz@gmail.com – AZ Youth Climate Strike Jessica Bristow, 928-710-8206, jessicabristow4@gmail.com – Sunrise Movement Phx.Local Climate Groups Demand Phoenix Declare a Climate Emergency
PHOENIX— Climate groups from across the Valley today called on the Phoenix City Council to endorse a resolution declaring a climate emergency, a critical first step toward launching a comprehensive plan to address climate change.
The resolution, similar to one passed last month by the Flagstaff City Council, outlines the city’s commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030. It calls for various city departments to determine the steps required for the transition, citywide education on the need for carbon neutrality and climate adaptation, and a new task force to oversee the plan.
Arizona and Phoenix are on the front lines of climate change. Heat-related deaths are increasing, wildfires are becoming more frequent and more intense, development and decades of drought are decreasing flows in our critical rivers, and the Valley is choking on some of the worst air pollution in the country—all of this exacerbated by climate change. Arizona is the fourth-fastest warming state in the U.S., and Phoenix is the second-fastest warming major city in the U.S., followed by Prescott as the fifth and Tucson as the seventh. The devastating health, environmental and economic consequences of the climate crisis will continue to be felt disproportionately by low-income communities, indigenous nations and communities of color.
Arizonans are demanding bold action to address the climate crisis, and polls continue to show that support for climate action is growing across all age groups, religions and political persuasions. States, counties, cities, local leaders and businesses across the world are leading the way to a just phase-out of fossil fuels, establishing a zero-emissions economy, and updating building codes and ordinances to combat climate change.
The city of Phoenix has demonstrated its support for climate action by joining the 3,800-member We Are Still In coalition and adopting sustainability goals to become carbon neutral by 2050. But pledges and goals are no longer enough. Phoenix has an opportunity to lead the way and Mayor Gallego and the City Council need to act now. We are counting on all council members and the mayor to support this critical resolution and take the urgent action necessary to create a carbon-free future and a liveable planet for our children and grandchildren.