Metro Council supports International Day of Climate Action
As a way to raise awareness about the significance of global climate change, the Metro Council has passed a resolution I introduced that names Oct. 24 as an international Day of Climate Action.
The resolution voices Metro’s support for global grassroots efforts to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and to focus attention on the December United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen where world leaders will gather to create a new treaty on climate protocol. The current Kyoto Treaty is set to expire in 2012.
The Metro Council has been working to reduce pollution through actions in transportation and land use planning, solid waste and recycling, and conservation education. The Council’s Climate Initiative works to provide regional leadership in coordinating the efforts of local governments, civic groups, university systems and business representatives to meet the State of Oregon’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. Metro’s current “Making the Greatest Place” initiative, which calls for limited expansion of the urban growth boundary, alternatives to transportation including transit, walking and cycling infrastructure, and development of urban centers will help reduce pollution associated with global warming.
The importance of a focused effort on climate change cannot be overstated. I hope that all nations, non-governmental organizations and citizens learn the facts about climate change and unite in finding solutions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.