City Of St. Louis Park: St. Louis Park City Council Declares A Climate Emergency

Press release from the City of St. Louis Park:

January 18, 2022 8:00 p.m.

At its Jan. 18, 2022, meeting, the St. Louis Park City Council passed a resolution declaring a climate emergency in St. Louis Park. With this resolution, St. Louis Park joins an emerging coalition of Minnesota cities sending a message to state and federal elected officials that local governments statewide are taking steps to address climate change and are demanding increased legislative and financial support.

“St. Louis Park has long demonstrated its commitment to climate action, from adopting what is still the boldest carbon neutrality goal in the state to continuously expanding its list of sustainability programs for residents and businesses,” said St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano. “Given the myriad impacts of climate change that we have already experienced first hand, it is well past time for our state and federal leaders to follow suit by providing the funding and passing the ambitious policies that communities need.”

The climate emergency resolution commits the city to a slate of 2022 programs, projects and policy initiatives that help every resident, employee, business owner and visitor to St. Louis Park take action toward a collective future for all. The resolution will also launch the “2022 Year of Climate Action” in St. Louis Park to spur increased engagement through community-wide events led by the city’s environment and sustainability commission. Finally, it commits the city to striving for equity in climate action,  including consideration of inclusive involvement and engagement, policy and program design, populations and people who are more likely to benefit or be burdened and accessible communications.

As many as 20 Minnesota cities and counties are declaring a climate emergency this month as part of an effort led by the Minnesota Climate Caucus, a non-partisan coalition of Minnesota cities focused on the adverse impact climate change has on the economic well-being and quality of life in cities. The coalition is facilitated by the Great Plains Institute with funding from the Energy Foundation and McKnight Foundation.

This press release was produced by the City of St. Louis Park. The views expressed here are the author’s own.