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health effect of climate change is the spread of disease such as Lyme and the Zika Virus which
<br /> are transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes that thrive in hot, humid environments5; and
<br /> WHEREAS, Indiana and South Bend will certainly share in some of these impacts, already
<br /> documented or projected effects include, but are not limited to: record breaking heat waves and
<br /> high humidity(with accompanying increased demand for cooling), reduced water and air quality,
<br /> decreased agricultural productivity(e.g., of corn and soybean crops); increased heavy rainfall
<br /> leading to more flooding, shorter winters and delayed fall freeze (e.g., extending the ragweed
<br /> allergy season), increased invasive species; loss of plant, fish and wildlife habitats6; and
<br /> WHEREAS, these and other impacts will not be equally distributed; communities that already
<br /> face socioeconomic and health inequities, whether around the world or here in our community,
<br /> will be most severely impacted, including youth, senior, people of color, and low-income
<br /> populations; and
<br /> WHEREAS, City services, infrastructure, our local economy, the natural environment, public
<br /> health, and our homes and businesses are endangered by climate change; and Cities have a
<br /> primary duty and responsibility to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare of its residents—
<br /> both now and in future generations; and
<br /> WHEREAS, Cities are uniquely empowered to take proactive, resolute, and prompt measures to
<br /> directly influence activities that have climate impacts, such as energy use in homes and
<br /> buildings, transportation, and by promoting sustainable development; and
<br /> WHEREAS,this Council, in February of this year at two joint committee hearings of our Health
<br /> and Public Safety and our Utilities Committees,were presented with clear and compelling
<br /> science, public testimony, letters, and petitions by local youth of all ages and other community
<br /> members,to take immediate, real, and lasting legislative actions to reduce emissions of
<br /> greenhouse gases and thus reduce global warming and contribute to the recovery of our planet;
<br /> and
<br /> WHEREAS, Climate action provides opportunities for South Bend to improve our air quality,
<br /> mobility, public health, social equity, energy independence and energy security, and the quality
<br /> of our natural environment; it also can serve to attract jobs and economic development
<br /> opportunity and increase long-term competitiveness. Action on climate change supports the
<br /> development of a livable, sustainable City with a strong economy and high quality of life.
<br /> Action can also improve resilience in face of climate change and other challenges; and
<br /> WHEREAS, South Bend has pursued various climate action with Mayor Stephen Luecke having
<br /> signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in 2008, convened the Green Ribbon
<br /> Commission in 2009, and founded the Municipal Energy Office in 2010. In 2014, Mayor Pete
<br /> Buttigieg created the Office of Sustainability and reconvened the Green Ribbon Commission, an
<br /> advisory-body of local climate and sustainability experts. The South Bend Common Council, in
<br /> 5 http://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/Browse.aspx?dbid=0&startid=279856&row=1&cr=1
<br /> 6 Purdue Climate Change Research Center's 2019 Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment;
<br /> https://ag.purdue.edu/indianaclimate/
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