Mayor Barrett to Speak at Global Covenant of Mayors’ North American Climate Summit 

North American Mayors Assuming Leadership Role on Climate Change

CHICAGO –(December 5, 2017) –  Mayor Tom Barrett will join with mayors from across the United States, Canada and Mexico to pledge support for climate action in their  respective cities.  Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will host the North American Climate Summit in concert with the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. Cities will discuss opportunities, barriers, and avenues to collaborate as they move forward with aggressive climate action plans over the next two years. Mayor Barrett will discuss Milwaukee’s action on climate change.  He will also discuss how the City’s comprehensive Better Buildings Challenge program works constructively with Milwaukee’s building owners to help them operate more profitably while addressing climate change at the community level.

“Climate change presents direct risks to Milwaukee. It increases public health risks like catastrophic floods and a host of other challenges,” said Mayor Barrett.  “In Milwaukee, we understand that investing in energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and renewable energy is important for long-term economic growth and a sustainable environment.  I’m calling on our businesses, utilities, Public Service Commission, and State government to acknowledge the importance of climate change and work with us to plan and invest in solutions.”

The attending cities are engaged and ready to take decisive action. Leaders will sign the Chicago Climate Charter, marking the way forward for municipal leaders to take climate action into their own hands in the face of federal inaction.

“While the current administration buries its head in the sand on climate change, it is now up to local leaders to develop a sustainable 21st century economy. Chicago, Milwaukee, and numerous cities across North America understand that protecting the environment and growing jobs go hand in hand,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “I applaud Mayor Barrett for taking aggressive steps to bring down carbon emissions levels.”

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About the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy is an international alliance of more than 7400 cities and local governments from 121 countries across six continents with a shared, long-term vision of a world where committed mayors and local governments – in alliance with partners – accelerate ambitious, measurable climate and energy initiatives that lead to an inclusive, just, low-emission and climate resilient future, working to meet and exceed the Paris agreement objectives. The Global Covenant of Mayors serves cities and local governments by mobilizing and supporting ambitious, measurable, planned climate and energy action in their communities by working with city/regional networks, national governments, and other partners to achieve our vision.

Jodie Tabak | Communications Director

Office of Mayor Barrett |City of Milwaukee

414.286.8504 | 414.286.3191 (fax)

jodie.tabak@milwaukee.gov

200 East Wells Street | Milwaukee, WI | 53202

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