Milwaukie Declares Climate Emergency

Last week, City Council unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing the declaration of a climate emergency. This declaration reinforces Milwaukie’s commitment to climate action, and highlights the importance of city-led actions called for in the climate action plan.

With the passage of the resolution, the city is expediting its climate goals by five years to reflect the need for immediate regional decarbonization. By 2030, Milwaukie aims to have net-zero emissions from electricity. By 2035, it aims to have net-zero emissions from all building fuel types, and, by 2045, a completely carbon-neutral community.

"Climate chaos is the biggest threat to humanity that we have ever faced—if this isn't an emergency, I'm not sure what would ever rise to that level,” said Mayor Mark Gamba. “We now have only ten years to make extraordinary changes to our society, if we hope to survive.”
 
Efforts are underway to implement the 53 city-led actions found in the climate action plan, adopted in October 2018. The city is also expanding its urban forest program, has achieved 100% carbon-free electricity for city operations through PGE’s Green Future Impact, and has incorporated climate action priorities into plans and processes, including Milwaukie’s updated Comprehensive Plan.

By declaring a climate emergency, City Council will also receive more frequent updates and reevaluations of the climate action plan to help ensure city staff are continuously working on the most impactful city-led actions in an efficient manner. The city will also continue to work closely with its partners, including PGE and Energy Trust of Oregon, to offer programs and incentives that align with Milwaukie’s climate goals.

City Council is calling on other jurisdictions to adopt similar resolutions, and to establish or adjust their climate goals to reflect the urgency needed to address the current climate crisis.

“We encourage all cities to join us in leading these efforts. Leadership in climate action is needed from every level of government in order to protect our community members from the impacts of climate change,” Gamba said.

City Council hopes all community members will be inspired by the climate emergency declaration, and implement priorities in the climate action plan into their own homes and businesses.

For more information about Milwaukie’s climate action plan, visit www.milwaukieoregon.gov/sustainability/climateaction.