Dear PSNA members,
As you are likely aware, environmental scientists across the globe have grown increasingly alarmed over the damage our planet has incurred from the ongoing climate crisis; these scientists now fear that we are running out of time to reverse the dramatic climate changes, and to avert a global catastrophe. The Cambridge City Council recognizes the fact that municipal governments must take bold steps in addressing this global emergency, and that is what has led to the formation of the Cambridge Emergency Climate Congress. The Climate Congress shall hold two meetings in the coming months – one introductory session at Cambridge City Hall on Saturday, December 12, and one concluding session on Saturday, January 23 – in order to educate participants, and to draft recommendations for actions that Cambridge can take as a community.
Cambridge has long been a leader in addressing environmental concerns. The City’s responses to this crisis date back to 2002, and we have made significant progress since that time. However, climate science now informs us that we must take swifter, bolder action in order to protect the planet for our children and our grandchildren. If we fail to act immediately, we shall face the prospect of a global environmental catastrophe that will be marked by tremendous suffering and loss of life. That is why this is an emergency, that is why seven former Cambridge Mayors have endorsed this invitation and the Climate Congress, and that is why I urge you and your organization to pay serious attention to this issue.
I am inviting individuals, community groups, businesses, institutions, and faith-based organizations from across Cambridge to nominate representatives to participate in the Climate Congress. Up to 100 delegates will ultimately be selected to participate, and I truly hope to see the full range of our City’s great diversity represented in this important gathering. The two meetings in December and January shall lead to recommendations on how individuals, organizations, and the municipal government should respond to the climate crisis in 2010. The Climate Congress will deliver its recommendations to the City Council in January. Because the problem of climate change is global, I expect the recommendations to include advocacy for stronger climate protection policies at the state, national, and global levels.
To serve as a Climate Congress delegate, or to nominate someone from your organization, please visit the this link. To obtain a paper application form, please contact the Mayor’s office at (617) 349-4321. Completed applications must be returned to the Mayor’s Office no later than December 1, 2009. Thank you for your interest, and for your commitment to addressing this most urgent challenge.
Sincerely,
_______________________
E. Denise Simmons
Honorable Mayor of Cambridge