* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Middleton
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
Baltimore City Celebration of Earth Day 2011 - A Billion Acts of Green
FOR the purpose of expressing Baltimore City's support for Earth Day - April 22, 2011; supporting the goal of measurably reducing carbon emissions; applauding the efforts of Baltimore City residents, businesses, educational institutions, medical complexes, and faith organizations to comply with the City's efforts to protect the environment and our natural resources; and encouraging all to continue to strive to make Baltimore City Green.
body
Recitals
In recognition of the power of millions of individual actions, Earth Day 2011 will be organized around A Billion Acts of Green®: Personal, organizational and corporate pledges to live and act sustainably. At 45 million actions to date, A Billion Acts of Green® campaign - the largest environmental service campaign in the world - is steadily building commitments by individuals, corporations, and governments in honor of Earth Day.
A Billion Acts of Green® inspires and rewards both individual acts and larger organizational initiatives that further the goal of measurably reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainability. The goal is to register one billion actions in advance of the Earth Summit in Rio in 2012. Elements of the 2011 Earth Day campaign include:
· Athletes for the Earth: Bringing the voices of Olympic and professional athletes to the environmental movement.
· The Canopy Project: Supporting Global reforestation.
· Green Schools: Greening America's schools within a generation.
· Women and Green Economy (WAGE): Engaging women leaders in the creation and development of a global green economy.
· Creating Climate Wealth: Convening 200 of the world's entrepreneurs to solve climate change and create a new green economy.
· Acts for Earth: Celebrating the work of environmental artists in all media, and partnering with the American Association of Museums to bring sustainability to museums nationwide.
In Baltimore City, the Office of Sustainability develops and advocates for programs, policies, and actions by government, citizens, businesses, and institutions that improve long-term environmental, social, and economic viability. In addition to overseeing and tracking the implementation of the Baltimore Sustainability Plan, the Office integrates sustainability into City government operations and develops partnerships with entities performing related work.
The Office advises that: "Practicing good stewardship of our natural world improves the ability of future generations to eat fresh food, breath clean air, drink healthy water, and enjoy open space. . . Increased tree coverage, local food systems, availability of recreational spaces, and healthy ecosystems are key components to creating a greener Baltimore. Parks, gardens, fields, and other recreational areas increase tourism, raise home values, foster stronger communities, and encourage healthier citizens. . . Baltimore has the potential to be a city where we rely upon our own natural resources to provide habitat, shade, water and air purification, food, and recreational opportunities through the greening of our surroundings.
As Baltimore celebrates Earth Day 2011, we also celebrate the announcement by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) and Siemens Corporation that Baltimore City is one of 9 communities across the country that has been selected as a finalist for the 3rd annual Siemens Sustainable Communities Awards. The finalists were selected on the basis of their outstanding efforts to achieve complementary economic, environmental, and social goals, as well as to improve the overall quality of life within their communities. The winners will be revealed on April 13, 2011, at the National Corporate Community Investment Conference.
By continuing the practices promoted by our Office of Sustainability and working toward the goal of a Greener Baltimore, we reward ourselves, our children, and our environment each and every day.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body hereby expresses Baltimore City's support for Earth Day - April 22, 2011; supports the goal of measurably reducing carbon emissions; applauds the efforts of Baltimore City residents, businesses, educational institutions, medical complexes, and faith organizations to comply with the City's efforts to protect the environment and our natural resources; and encourages all to continue to strive to make Baltimore City Green.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Director of Planning, the Director of the Office of Sustainability, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
dlr 11-2413~intro/07Apr11
ccres/Green/nf
dlr 11-2413~intro/07Apr11
??2??
ccres/Green/nf