Resolution in support of the Seattle City Council Resolution 31895 relating to the Seattle Green New Deal

September 18, 2019

WHEREAS, climate change is already harming working families and vulnerable populations through hurricanes, wildfires, drought, flooding, extreme heat, ocean acidification, stress on food production and health impacts including heatstroke, air pollution, and the spread of infectious diseases

WHEREAS, working people from all unions and sectors of the economy have a stake in the development of a clean energy economy that can both stop the escalation of climate change and build an economy based on the foundation of a strong labor movement with family-supporting wages, benefits, and shared prosperity for all

WHEREAS, in 2015, 197 nations signed on to the Paris Agreement committing to slash greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in order to keep global warming below 2°C and to work toward 1.5°C of warming.

WHEREAS, cities and states around the world are decarbonizing their infrastructure, industries, and economies. This shift is gaining momentum and will impact all sectors of our society

WHEREAS, many recent studies show that over the past several years the global economy grew while greenhouse gasses from energy production and delivery declined

WHEREAS, the World Green Building Council has called for all buildings to be net-zero by 2050 through new construction and deep renovation.

WHEREAS, young climate activists have successfully put the Green New Deal at the center of the national discussion about how to address both the climate crisis and our historic levels of income inequality

WHEREAS, if climate action is to address inequality, the labor movement must be at the center of shaping policies to expand collective bargaining rights and create green union careers, particularly for disadvantaged communities

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the MLK Labor Council affirms and supports city council resolution 31895 relating to the Seattle Green New Deal.