Download Report for Transportation and Public Works Committee May 14

Agenda Item No.: D.2.a.
Model Resolution Regarding the Kyoto Protocol (M. Phair).
Recommendation:
That this report be received for information.

Report Summary

This report provides a response to an
Administrative Inquiry regarding a
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
(FCM) model resolution regarding the
Kyoto Protocol.
Previous Council/Committee Action
At the April 2, 2002 Transportation and
Public Works Committee meeting
Councillor Phair made the following
inquiry:
“Recently the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities (FCM) provided a model
resolution for cities regarding the Kyoto
Protocol. I would like the following
information from the City’s
Environment Office.
1. How does the model resolution relate
to the City’s policy and programs?
2. What comments does the office’s
advisory committee have?
3. Does the environment office and
advisory committee support the
adoption of the model resolution?
I would like the report to return to the
May 14, 2002 Transportation and Public
Works Committee meeting, or earlier.”



Report
The FCM model resolution is included as
Attachment 1.
1. City’s Policy and Programs
 The City of Edmonton has been engaged
in the climate change issue for a decade
Routing:
Delegation:
Written By:
May 2, 2002
File: 2002PWW050

and became a member of the FCM
Partners for Climate Protection (PCP)
program in 1995.
In 1997, Council directed the
administration to develop a plan for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
firstly, from City operations and
secondly, on a community-wide basis.
Strategic direction for addressing
greenhouse gas emissions and climate
change are identified in Plan Edmonton,
approved by Council in 1998, and the
Environmental Strategic Plan Policy
Document, approved by City Council in
July 1999.
In the fall of 1999, Council approved a
plan for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions from City operations. This
plan initially focuses on taking
advantage of energy efficiency
opportunities in City-owned buildings,
fleets, process operations (e.g.
wastewater treatment plant), and street
lighting and traffic signals.
In December 2001, Council endorsed
Edmonton's Community-Wide
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction &
Energy Plan – Strategy Document as a
framework for reducing Edmonton’s
greenhouse gas emissions in the
industrial, commercial, institutional and
residential sectors. Administration is
undertaking a ‘Transitional Business
Plan’ and is required to report back to
Council in the Fall 2002 with a proposed
long-term approach and business plan
for implementing the strategy.
The model resolution directly relates to
the City’s program if any future national
strategy focuses on taking advantage of
Transportation and Public Works Committee
W. D. Burn
M. T. Brostrom
Asset Management and Public Works
(Page 1 of 2)
D
2
a
Model Resolution Regarding Kyoto Protocol (M. Phair)
the associated opportunities in
addressing the reduction of greenhouse
gas emissions.
2. Environmental Advisory Committee
(EAC) Comments
 The EAC discussed the model resolution
at their May 2, 2002 meeting with the
following comments:
 The EAC and community
stakeholders have supported the
approach in developing Edmonton's
Community-Wide Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Reduction & Energy Plan
and endorsed the ensuing Strategy
Document for the plan.
 The EAC advised that the model
resolution as amended in Attachment
2 is more in keeping with the
collaborative approach the City of
Edmonton and community
stakeholders are taking.
3. Environmental Advisory Committee
(EAC) & Office of the Environment
Support for the Resolution

The EAC and Office of the Environment
could support approval of the model
resolution as amended in Attachment 2
to emphasize that the implementation of
the Kyoto Protocol not unfairly impact
the City of Edmonton.

In addition, it is in keeping with the
FCM Municipal Leaders Resolution on
Climate Change approved by Council on
October 31, 2000 (Attachment 3).
Background Information Attached
1. Federation of Canadian Municipalities
(FCM) Request for a Resolution to have
Municipal Governments Urge
Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol and a
Model Resolution
2. Amended Resolution: Municipal
Governments Urge Ratification of the
Kyoto Protocol
3. Municipal Leaders’ Resolution on
Climate Change - Approved by City
Council October 31, 2000
(Page 2 of 2)
Attachment 1
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Request for a Resolution to have Municipal
Governments Urge Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol and a Model Resolution
Distribute to: Head and Members of Council; Managers/Clerk
Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol: what’s the hot air all about?
When we burn gasoline to drive our cars, natural gas to heat our homes, coal to make electricity,
or cut trees faster than they can be replaced we add greenhouse gases to the air. Scientists have
sounded an alarm: if we don’t slow the amount of pollution going into the air, our climate will
change leading to more extreme weather and disruption to communities.
Some of us are already affected. Warm temperatures in northern communities like Dawson City
are melting the permafrost, buildings are sinking, winter roads are no longer reliable. Our
friends in the Prairies are facing another summer of drought and pest outbreaks. Air quality in
southern Ontario has never been so bad. Extreme winds and storms are affecting communities in
the east.
Is this climate change? Scientists say these events are typical of climate change and that we can
expect more of the same in the future. Once we change the climate, there is no turning back.
When faced with an irreversible problem, it’s best to take a precautionary approach. That’s
what governments did in 1992 when they agreed to the Framework Convention on Climate
Change and again in 1997 when they negotiated the Kyoto Protocol.
The Kyoto Protocol is a small step in the long road to protecting the climate and our citizens. It
starts to put the brakes on the amount of greenhouse gas pollution going into the air. The
Protocol is flexible and designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions at the least cost. Can we cut
this pollution without harming our communities? Yes, we can.
I co-chaired a process on behalf of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) in 1998
that looked at what municipal governments could do to cut greenhouse gas pollution. We found
that using energy more efficiently, capturing landfill gas, diverting organic waste from landfills,
and investing in public transit, renewable energy and community energy systems could save
money, improve the local environment and cut greenhouse gas emissions. This is sustainable
community development.
Attachment 1 - Page 1 of 3
Attachment 1
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Request for a Resolution to have Municipal
Governments Urge Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol and a Model Resolution
Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol will improve Canada’s productivity and stimulate innovation.
Implementation of the Protocol can be designed to ensure that no industry or sector suffers
disproportionately. We can design a response that improves competitiveness, rather than hurting
it.
I urge your council to endorse the attached model resolution, or to modify it to meet your
community’s needs. Council endorsement on Earth Day, April 22, 2002, is one important
milestone, but endorsements are welcome until Fall 2002. Municipal government support for
ratification of the Kyoto Protocol could make the difference as the Government of Canada
decides whether to follow through on its international commitment; a decision expected by yearend.
FCM has prepared talking points, a power point presentation and an analysis of the climate risks
to Canada’s regions and communities to assist you in presenting the resolution to Council. FCM
can also arrange a limited number of council presentations. For more information (including how
to arrange a council presentation) contact: Paul Gregory, 613-241-5221, ext. 291
([email protected]) or visit our Web site at: www.fcm.ca
There’s much to be gained from taking action now, so much to lose if we don’t.
Sincerely,
Jack Layton, President, FCM
Attachment 1 - Page 2 of 3
Attachment 1
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Request for a Resolution to have Municipal
Governments Urge Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol and a Model Resolution
MODEL RESOLUTION
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS
URGE RATIFICATION OF THE KYOTO PROTOCOL
WHEREAS climate change causes drought, permafrost melting, sea-level rise and floods that
damage municipal infrastructure, displace citizens and create a financial burden for municipal
governments;
WHEREAS economic activity in rural and northern communities relying on fisheries, tourism,
forestry and agriculture is disrupted by climate change;
WHEREAS investments in building retrofits, community energy systems, water conservation,
renewable energy technologies, waste reduction, landfill gas capture, fleet management and
public transit reduce municipal operating costs, help maintain community services and protect
public health while cutting greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change;
WHEREAS forestry and agriculture sectors can expand business opportunities by increasing the
capacity of trees and soils to absorb carbon dioxide and by developing renewable fuels like
ethanol;
WHEREAS fossil fuel producers are increasing investments in renewable energy and alternative
fossil fuel technologies that reduce the amount of carbon dioxide going into the air; and
WHEREAS 78 per cent of Canadians (according to poll results from Decima Research Inc.,
March 2002) want the Kyoto Protocol ratified;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT _____________________________endorses ratification of the
Kyoto Protocol; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution be communicated to our Member of
Parliament, provincial environment and energy Ministers, federal and provincial opposition
leaders, community media and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
____________________________
NAME
_________________________
ELECTED TITLE
____________________________
MUNICIPALITY
_________________________
DATE
Attachment 1 - Page 3 of 3
Attachment 2
Amended Resolution: Municipal Governments Urge Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol
RESOLUTION
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS
URGE RATIFICATION OF THE KYOTO PROTOCOL
WHEREAS climate change causes drought, permafrost melting, sea-level rise and floods that
damage municipal infrastructure, displace citizens and create a financial burden for municipal
governments;
WHEREAS economic activity in rural and northern communities relying on fisheries, tourism,
forestry and agriculture is disrupted by climate change;
WHEREAS investments in building retrofits, community energy systems, water conservation,
renewable energy technologies, waste reduction, landfill gas capture, fleet management and
public transit reduce municipal operating costs, help maintain community services and protect
public health while cutting greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change;
WHEREAS forestry and agriculture sectors can expand business opportunities by increasing the
capacity of trees and soils to absorb carbon dioxide and by developing renewable fuels like
ethanol;
WHEREAS fossil fuel producers are increasing investments in renewable energy and alternative
fossil fuel technologies that reduce the amount of carbon dioxide going into the air;
WHEREAS 78 per cent of Canadians (according to poll results from Decima Research Inc.,
March 2002) want the Kyoto Protocol ratified; and,
WHEREAS the City of Edmonton is implementing a plan to reduce energy consumption and
greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and has developed a comprehensive, long-term
Community-wide strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the commercial and
institutional, industrial and residential sectors.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Edmonton endorses ratification of the Kyoto Protocol
based upon development of a National strategy that will fairly distribute the costs and benefits
among regions and sectors and not unfairly impact the City of Edmonton; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution be communicated to federal and provincial
governments, federal and provincial opposition leaders, community media and the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities.
____________________________
NAME
____________________________
MUNICIPALITY
_________________________
ELECTED TITLE
_________________________
DATE
Attachment 2 - Page 1 of 1
Attachment 3
Municipal Leaders’ Resolution on Climate Change
Approved by City Council October 31, 2000
WHEREAS 1990 to 1999 was the warmest decade of the millennium;
WHEREAS a global reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) is necessary to slow
climate change and reduce the risks to human health, the physical environment, economy and
quality of life;
WHEREAS climate change may increase the frequency, severity and duration of extreme
weather events such as rainstorms, thunderstorms, hailstorms, tornadoes, late spring and early
fall snowstorms, heat waves and droughts;
WHEREAS these weather-related expenses may create an additional financial burden for
municipalities, which will have a negative impact on a municipality’s ability to provide services,
maintain infrastructure and maintain community quality of life;
WHEREAS examples of the cost of extreme events that may become more frequent in future
warmer climate are the 1998 ice storm which cost Ontario and Quebec municipalities over $120
million and the Red River flood which cost Winnipeg $32 million;
WHEREAS reducing GHGs makes good economic sense. New and improved infrastructure,
energy efficiency, building retrofits, water conservation, more effective wastewater treatment
and distribution, renewable energy technologies, waste reduction, better fleet management, etc.,
reduce municipal operating costs and help maintain community services, while having a positive
impact on the environment;
WHEREAS the City of Edmonton has committed to the reduction of GHG emissions from its
own operations and at a community-wide level through its participation with the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection program and the Voluntary Challenge
and Registry;
WHEREAS a plan in place to reduce GHG emissions from City operations and the City is
currently facilitating the development of a Community-Wide GHG Emissions Reduction Plan;
WHEREAS industrialized countries, realizing initial commitments were inadequate to protect
the Earth’s climate system, agreed in December 1997 to the Kyoto Protocol which, if ratified,
commits Canada to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions six per cent below 1990 levels
between 2008 - 2012;
Attachment 3 - Page 1 of 2
Attachment 3
Municipal Leaders’ Resolution on Climate Change
Approved by City Council October 31, 2000
WHEREAS in November, national governments will meet in The Hague, Netherlands to
negotiate terms and conditions for ratifying the Kyoto Protocol. It is critical that Canada has the
support it needs to conclude negotiations;
WHEREAS mayors and municipal leaders responsible for the well being of communities across
Canada urge federal and provincial/territorial governments to make climate protection a priority;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the municipality of the CITY OF EDMONTON endorse this
MUNICIPAL LEADERS’ RESOLUTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Bill Smith
NAME
Mayor
ELECTED TITLE
City of Edmonton
MUNICIPALITY
October 31, 2000
DATE
Attachment 3 - Page 2 of 2