Comments cover a wide range of topics, from suggestions for specific revisions to the draft Climate Emergency Declaration to general observations on the City’s work to tackle climate change. Many commenters also shared their ideas about actions the City could take or should continue to implement to reduce emissions.
Many commenters expressed support for the City recognizing a climate emergency, taking action to reduce carbon emissions in Portland, and centering frontline communities. They also urged the City to take more immediate and aggressive action to reduce carbon emissions, particularly in the transportation and buildings sectors.
Numerous commenters felt that addressing climate change should not be a priority for the City of Portland. Yet others expressed concerns about how focusing on climate change could detract resources or attention from other challenges our community is facing such as homelessness.
Common themes
Comments suggesting revisions to the declaration included:
- Concern that the Climate Emergency Declaration does not include enough concrete and/or aggressive actions. Some commenters recommended the declaration more specifically define goals and delineate specific actions or policies that will be taken to achieve them.
- Recommendations on how the language in the resolution could be made more inclusive.
- Desire that the declaration also focus on adaptation and reducing the risks of climate impacts (like heat and flooding) that Portlanders are already facing, in addition to focusing on reducing carbon emissions.
We look forward to continuing to receive your input and feedback on the draft resolution. The public comment period is open through March 22, 2020.