Resolution 992 – Declaring and Responding to a Climate Emergency

Whereas in their February report, Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes that to hold warming to “well below” 2°C, while “working to limit it to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels,” global carbon dioxide emissions would have to peak by 2025 and emissions would have to be cut by between 30% and more than 40% by 2030; and

Whereas the IPCC found that our current emissions course, if continued unabated, will lead to warming of about 3.2°C (5.8°F) above preindustrial levels; and

Whereas existing and soon-to-mature technologies offer multiple opportunities for clean energy, energy efficiency, and decarbonization of hard-to-clean-up sectors of the economy; and 

Whereas the IPCC concludes that the barriers to achieving ambitious emissions cuts are more social and political than technological, with scientists citing “opposition from status quo interests” as a key blocker of progress.

Therefore, be it resolved that we call upon Governor Jay Inslee to formally declare a state of climate emergency pursuant to The Stafford Act (§401) and ask the Biden administration for all the customary related recognition and financial relief that would be provided in any other declared emergency (e.g., earthquake, flood, etc.).

Be it further resolved that we call upon Governor Inslee and the Washington State Legislature to commit to a statewide mobilization effort to reverse the effects of climate change and the ecological crisis, which, with appropriate financial and regulatory assistance from State and Federal authorities, will end statewide greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible and no later than 2030 and immediately initiate an effort to safely draw down carbon from the atmosphere, ensuring a just and equitable transition for residents and accelerating adaptation and resilience strategies in preparation for intensifying local climate impacts. 

Be it further resolved that, upon adoption of this resolution, the Chair and staff of the WSD present it to Governor Inslee and the Democratic leadership in the Washington State Legislature. 

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