25 signatures reached
To: Mayor Regina Romero
Mayor Romero: Declare a climate emergency in Tucson
The climate goals provided in Mayor Romero's platform are admirable and necessary. The urgency of this matter, however, is not enough to be sugarcoated with fancy words. Declaring a climate emergency not only signifies the importance of such a matter, but allows Tucsonans from across the city to recognize their own power in combatting the climate crisis. If the federal government and states are going to continue to fail to address the crisis, local governments must act. Tucson can and must be on the forefront of tackling the climate crisis. Declaring a climate emergency shows the seriousness behind your platforms.
Why is this important?
Since the 1970’s, the science regarding a warming climate has been recorded. The human caused climate catastrophe has been rapidly accelerated due to an increase of fossil fuel emissions around the world. Let it be clear: this is not the fault of the average person. While riding your bike to work and eliminating single-use plastics from your daily routine are admirable, driving your car and drinking your tea with a plastic straw are not the main catalysts of the fast-approaching crisis. For decades, fossil fuel executives have known that an increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has led to a direct correlation in rising global temperatures. As the global populous becomes more aware of this issue, it is becoming increasingly easier to hold those at fault accountable. The broken accountability measures of the past are no longer able to shield the power behind fossil fuel companies. It is not enough to implement bold and tangible change for the sake of our environment and health; we must hold those at the cause of this problem accountable to ensure these grossly unjust actions and cover up never happen again.