Brampton City Council Declares Climate Emergency

The Brampton City Council is looking to take action against climate change.

The Brampton City Council is looking to take action against climate change.

In a recent Council Meeting held on June 5, members voted unanimously to declare a climate emergency. This was following a statement made on June 4 by Wards 1 and 5 Coun. Rowena Santos who made a motion for an emergency to be declared.

The main focus of Santos’ statement is the need for Brampton to take part in reducing greenhouse gases.

“Residents and especially our youth in Brampton, have identified climate change as one of the most important issues of our time,” said Santos in her statement. “During our discussion tomorrow, I will bring forward a motion to join 35 municipalities across Canada, to declare a climate emergency.”

According to the statement, at least 35 other Canadian cities including Ottawa, Kingston, Vancouver, Burlington, London, St. Catharines and Hamilton have also declared climate emergencies.

“Addressing climate change requires us to think globally but act locally,” added Santos. “Our youth, partners like Sheridan College, community organizations, and city departments are already doing tremendous work when it comes to the environment.”

The motion sets a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated in the city by 80% by 2050. It also will put more focus on education on climate change, as well as incorporate community partners like school boards, colleges (Sheridan) and the business community in planning and launching better environmentally friendly policies and technologies.

Mayor Patrick Brown agreed with the votes of the Council Members, stating: “I think there is a broad consensus across this table that we take climate change seriously. How can we say climate change is a threat and not offer a response?”

The next step will be a staff report with advice in 2020 on how the city can reach its new goals for greenhouse gas reduction.