Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2019-04: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy Pledge.

The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (“Plan”) sets ambitious goals to 1) reduce greenhouse gas emission 80% by 2050 compared to 2016 emission baselines, 2) make sure that our neighborhoods, resources and economy are more resilient to climate change impacts, and 3) address climate change impacts in a manner that prioritizes those most impacted. The Plan identifies numerous strategies and actions to support these goals. The first strategy identified in the implementation strategy (IM-1-A), is to reinforce organizational commitment to climate action. The first action supporting this strategy is to join the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy.
 
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy^[1] (GCoM) is the world’s largest alliance of cities and local governments with a shared long-term vision of promoting and supporting voluntary action to combat climate change and move to a low emission, climate resilient future. This coalition gathers thousands of cities of all sizes across 6 continents and more than 120 countries, representing almost 10% of the world’s population.
 
Through the GCoM, cities and local governments are voluntarily committing to fight climate change, mirroring the commitments their national governments have set to ensure the goals of the Paris Agreement are met. It is a commitment to not only take bold local action but to also work side-by-side with peers around the world to share innovative solutions that enable mayors to do more, faster. GCoM cities connect and exchange knowledge and ideas, supported by relevant regional stakeholders.
 
Through the GCoM the City would pledge to implement policies and undertake measures to 1) reduce / limit greenhouse gas emissions, 2) prepare for the impacts of climate change, 3) increase access to sustainable energy, and 4) track progress toward these objectives. Specifically, within no more than three years of this commitment, the City would pledge to develop, formally adopt and report on the following: 
 

• A community-scale greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventory;
• An assessment of climate hazards and vulnerabilities;
• Ambitious, measurable and time-bound target(s) to reduce/limit greenhouse gas emissions;
• Ambitious adaptation vision and goals, based on quantified scientific evidence when possible, to increase local resilience to climate change;
• Ambitious and just goal to improve access to sustainable energy; and
• Plan(s) to address climate change mitigation / low emission development, climate resilience and adaptation, and access to sustainable energy, including provisions for regular (annual or biennial) progress reports.

 
The City’s Plan and the existing work of the Sustainability Section supports the GCOM’s pledge.

There is no cost to joining the GCoM.  Actionable items pledged through the GCoM are supported by strategies and actions in the Plan.  Some will have financial implications, which will be subject to review and approval through the regular budget process.

 Adhering to the protocol established in the GCoM is supported by the Plan.  Policies supporting both will be brought forward to City Leadership and City Council for consideration and adoption.

Connection to Council Goal and/or Regional Plan:
Council Goals:
Take meaningful climate change action.  
 
Regional Plan:
Goal E.1. Increase energy efficiency.
Goal E.2. Expand production and use of renewable energy.
Goal E&C.1. Proactively improve and maintain the region’s air quality.
Goal E&C.2 Reduce Greenhouse gas emissions.
Goal E&C.3 Strengthen community and natural environment resiliency through climate adaptation efforts.
Goal E&C.4. Integrate the best available science into all policies governing the use and conservation of Flagstaff’s natural resources.

 No

Option A. Adopt Resolution 2019-04 as submitted.
Option B. Recommend changes to Resolution 2019-04.
Option C. Not adopt Resolution 2019-04 and not take action set forth in the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

On November 20, 2018 the City Council unanimously adopted the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.  Joining the GCOM is identified in the Plan as an immediate action to reinforce the organization’s commitment to climate action.

The pledge obligates the City to six actions. Each action is supported by the Plan and the work of the Sustainability Section.
 

1. A community-scale greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventory: The Sustainability Section has been conducting community-scale inventories since 2008.
2. An assessment of climate hazards and vulnerabilities: As part of the Plan development a robust Climate Profile and Vulnerability Assessment were completed.
3. Ambitious, measurable and time-bound target(s) to reduce/limit greenhouse gas emissions: As noted in the Plan, targets will be completed in 2019.
4. Ambitious adaptation vision and goals, based on quantified scientific evidence when possible, to increase local resilience to climate change: Adaptation is a key focus of the Plan and has been incorporated into goals, strategies, and actions.
5. Ambitious and just goal to improve access to sustainable energy: The Plan sets strategies and actions to address this in the Energy focus area.
6. Plan(s) to address climate change mitigation / low emission development, climate resilience and adaptation, and access to sustainable energy, including provisions for regular (annual or biennial) progress reports: The Plan sets strategies and actions to address this in the Transportation and Land Use focus area

Actionable items pledged through the GCoM and mirrored in the Plan. They will enhance quality of life for Flagstaff residents. For example, the introduction of energy-saving equipment and behaviors not only addresses climate goals but can also lower energy costs. The Plan prioritizes “win-win” solutions that benefit both the climate and other facets of the Flagstaff community.

Staff used several different strategies to engage more than 1,000 community members in the Plan.  Joining the GCOM was vetted through community conversations and City Council updates.