♪♪
-Good morning. My name is Jessyn Farrell.
I am the deputy mayor for the city of Seattle
with Parks, Transportation,
And Sustainability in my portfolio.
We are so delighted to have so many people here for Earth Day.
Let's give ourselves a big round of applause.
This is amazing. So we are here today
because climate is a unifying issue in Seattle
that we take seriously
and we are so excited to take the next step
in bold climate action.
Before we jump into our program, I just want to acknowledge all
of the amazing department directors
who are here from the city.
Raise your hand if you are a department director.
I see AP.
I see Nathan, Michelle, Dawn, Adiam.
Let's give them a round of applause.
Raise your hand if you are a city of Seattle employee.
We are so delighted you are here.
Whoo!
We are number one on climate action
because of everything you're doing.
And I want to also welcome our community members.
Raise your hand if you are a member of the community
or a Green New Deal oversight board member.
-Whoo-hoo! -All right!
So this is the group
that is going to bring us forward on climate action.
We are here today to sign an executive order
that is going to modernize our Climate Action Plan.
We are going to include, of course,
bold action to reduce emissions,
but also new elements to include resiliency, adaptation.
We know that climate change is happening
and so we're going to have to work with our communities
to be ready for it.
And also, the transition to a green economy
so that everyone has access to good-paying jobs.
So I am delighted that everyone is here.
I am now going to introduce our climate champion and chief,
Mayor Bruce Harrell,
who has been such an amazing leader in his administration.
Helping lead the way
to pass building emissions performance standards,
getting heat pumps into homes and resilience
facilities like the one that we're in.
So without any further ado,
let's give a warm welcome to Mayor Bruce Harrell.
-Thank you, Jessyn. Thank you, Deputy Mayor.
Now that I fixed it, let me adjust it a little bit.
I'm talking to climate champions,
and I realize that, and I want to thank you for being here.
It's amazing who will come out
when we say we're going to have coffee and cookies.
I want to get a few thanks out of the way
before my substantive remarks.
Emily Kelly is the director at Mini Mart City Park
and I think many of you
are aware of the transformation from a gas station
to a community hub.
And Emily continues to advocate for environmental action
down here in the Duwamish Valley and other areas.
And so let's give a warm round of applause to Emily
for the leadership that Emily's got.
[ Applause ]
And again, SDOT director, Adiam Emery, and OSC director,
Michelle Caulfield.
They continue to center us in the right discussions
and push us to do --
to be more creative and to take more chances.
And, of course,
you'll hear from Council Member Alexis Mercedes Rinck
who chairs the Council's Sustainability Committee.
She is a proven commodity, if you will.
I don't know if calling someone a commodity is a good thing
but I'm going to go with it, a proven talent,
if you will, in this commitment to our planet,
and to our water, and to our air.
So thank you for your leadership.
You are a strong addition to the Council for what you bring,
so thank you for being here, as well.
I want to ground this in a quote, if I may.
It's from Desmond Tutu,
who many of you know as a South African human rights activist.
And he said,
"Twenty-five years ago,
people could be excused for not knowing much
or not doing much about climate change.
But today, we have no excuse."
And we do this because we follow the data and many of you --
we follow the science.
And many of you are seeing what's coming out of
the other Washington, DC.
President Trump signed an executive order
that targets climate laws in states and cities.
And is reportedly looking at perhaps issuing
another executive order targeting environmental
and climate nonprofit organizations.
But we have an executive order, too,
and it's a thoughtful one, and it's based on data,
and science, and Seattle's commitment,
and this region's commitment to fight climate change.
And so it's a fairly comprehensive executive order
but it's time to update it.
We don't -- we have many challenges right now.
I literally just left a labor strike
on some issues dealing with our immigrant,
and refugee, and asylum-seeker workers,
and some beautiful people who need a voice.
And I was very proud to echo their voices through mine.
But that doesn't fight --
that doesn't stop us doing this important,
critical climate work within our lifetimes.
So on Earth Day,
this executive order sort of rubs against our
One Seattle vision at its best.
It's a roadmap, a vision,
if you will, requires us --
and I'm very thankful that our department heads are here.
It was mandatory for you to be here,
but nevertheless, we're thankful that you are here.
You know, we're proud that Seattle has been a national
and global leader on sustainability and climate
action for decades.
And so while I really appreciate Deputy Mayor Farrell's words,
and her kindness, and her leadership.
I do stand on the back of many mayors before me
and many department heads that were before you,
many of you, and many city employees that are still here.
And really were courageous enough to start talking
about these issues decades ago.
We've made a lot of progress over the last years
when you look at our building emissions performance standards.
Passing the transportation levy through the work of many people
who are listening to me right now,
speeding up light rail expansion that is going to be critical.
Updating our climate plan at this critical moment
gives us a chance to sort of take stock in the progress
that we've made but to roll up our sleeves and do more.
So the plan includes near
and medium-term actions to reduce emissions
from the transportation sector
that many of you know are responsible for about 60%
of our emissions in the city.
We'll work with our transit partners in SDOT
to adopt strategies to encourage, for example,
when the World Cup is here and we're getting ready for it.
I used to know the number of days.
I had like a check in a box every day
that it was going by as it gets closer.
But we'll make sure that we'll encourage 80% of the attendees
to navigate their trip without the use of a car
and that's going to take some thoughtful planning any way
you look at that.
We'll also accelerate our
transportation electrification efforts,
electrifying our own city fleet
and installing more charging stations.
And even more pieces of the --
components of the infrastructure
that will help us use different forms of --
ending our reliance on fossil fuel.
I'll just put it that way.
Along with reducing transportation emissions,
we're also supporting more ways
for people to get around and more pedestrian-focused spaces.
And you've heard me talk in other environments
about the pedestrian experience. You know,
the pedestrian experience is a beautiful experience
when done properly.
It slows us down, allows us to talk to one another,
allows us to enjoy each other.
You probably read an article today about our
Pike Place Market piloting a limited street access
to nonessential vehicles.
It's been a -- -Whoo-hoo!
-What I try to tell folks that work around me,
at least in a close proximity, is, you know,
if this -- these jobs were easy
and all these decisions were easy to make,
someone would have made them a long time ago.
Sometimes you have to plow through these decisions,
listen to communities, look at what the impediments are,
but you have to lead.
And I'm very proud of my administration
and the people around me that will push politics aside
and say, "Let's do what is right."
So now more than ever,
we think local action on climate is incredibly important.
You know,
when we look at what we're doing at the Overlake walk area,
the new protected bike lanes.
We're creating a world-class pedestrian experience
at every opportunity.
Now is the time. I hope this part isn't --
you hear me clearing my throat, sometimes.
Now is not the time to have allergies, either.
I'll tell you that. My goodness gracious.
I woke up this morning thinking I have a busy schedule
but who do I complain to?
The mayor doesn't have anyone to complain to.
If anyone wants me to complain to them, see me after this.
Because I was telling my wife, I said,
"Who do I get to complain to?"
In all seriousness,
this work that we're doing on climate change,
we have to do it with the right values, the right data,
and the right heart,
and I know I have the right people in place.
It's fundamental.
It is a fundamental governmental purpose
and let's not confuse our role as governmental leaders.
Here in Seattle,
we're continue to pursue bold policies and programs
that fight the climate crisis.
And as Deputy Mayor Farrell said,
create these great, green jobs,
a great economic development effort, as well.
And of course, at the end of the day,
reduce our greenhouse emissions. So thank you for being here
and I'm going to pass it back to Deputy Mayor Farrell,
that rhymes with Harrell.
Thank you.
-There you go. Thank you, Mayor Harrell.
I am now delighted to introduce our
very own Interim Deputy Director, Lylianna Allala.
Many of you know her as a climate justice leader locally,
but she is also a climate justice leader nationally
and internationally.
And this year, she is serving as an Obama fellow.
So we are so lucky to have this champion in our midst.
-Whoo!
-Thanks, Deputy Mayor.
Hi, everyone. Happy Earth Day.
Good morning and thank you so much for joining us
on this sunny Earth Day. I'm excited to be with you today
as we kick off the update to Seattle's Climate Action Plan.
It's undeniable.
Climate change is happening right now.
And while we're all feeling its impacts,
we know low income and communities of color
are amongst those
who experience those impacts disproportionately.
While climate change and its effects have gotten worse
since 2013, the year that Seattle's
first Climate Action Plan was published.
We are even more knowledgeable today on
how we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and adapt to the already occurring impacts
of climate change.
We are more knowledgeable about
how we make these shifts in a way
that doesn't leave people behind
or continue to widen disparities.
For communities continually overburdened
by the impacts of environmental pollution
and economic inequality.
During increasingly common extreme heatwaves in Seattle,
for example,
older homes and buildings
may not be equipped with air conditioning
and not every family can afford to make those upgrades.
As many of us know,
cooling our homes, schools, childcare centers,
and workplaces is not a luxury.
It is a necessity and a critical public health intervention.
That is why Seattle departments are working together
to upgrade community centers and improve air quality,
energy efficiency, and cooling measures.
As the mayor said,
we at the city know that we are responsible
to ensuring our residents are prepared for climate change
and we're ready for that challenge.
Mayor Harrell's executive order marks our commitment to this.
The new Climate Action Plan presents an update
for city departments, young people, elders,
community leaders, businesses,
tribal and regional government partners.
To come together and apply our best thinking towards solutions
that prioritize the collective wellbeing in the chase --
the face of climate change.
Solutions that support public health
and reduce indoor air pollution in our homes
with technology such as heat pumps or induction cooktops.
Strategies that grow career pathways for diverse
and inclusive workforce
to help us meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
And help our city adapt to the changes of --
the impacts of climate change. Climate adaptation actions
that help reduce vulnerability to sea level rise,
flooding, extreme heat, and drought.
Here in the Georgetown neighborhood
in the Duwamish Valley,
residents are too familiar with the legacy of pollution
from heavy industry and highways.
We'll hear more from Emily Kelly,
an important partner to the city's Duwamish Valley program,
about the role the Mini Mart plays in climate resilience.
It's spaces like this that harness creativity
to foster community connection
in an environmentally-minded space.
Georgetown is also home to South Seattle College's Workforce,
Education, and Training Center.
Where thousands of pre-apprentices and apprentices
train in 50 different trades, many of them critical
to growing the climate-ready workforce that we need.
In order to update this new Climate Action Plan
to meet the scale of the challenge we face today,
we're going to need everyone at the table, all of you.
The city's excited to collaborate and co-create
with communities
who have been developing their own innovative climate solutions
to meet their unique needs.
I'm excited to collaborate with you all, too.
So over the next year,
OSC and city colleagues will look forward to a creative,
collaborative process
to ensure our climate actions reflect the diverse voices,
needs, and solutions of Seattle's communities.
For a safe, healthy, and thriving future.
Thank you so much.
-Whoo-hoo!
-Good job. Thank you, Lylianna.
I am now delighted to welcome to the podium Emily Kelly,
who is the executive director of this amazing space
that we are getting to use today.
Come on up.
-Hi. Good morning, everyone.
Happy Earth Day. What a beautiful day.
Thank you so much for being here with us today.
It is an honor to welcome you on behalf
of the Mini Mart City Park team to this deeply-meaningful place.
What was once a forgotten
and contaminated lot is now a home for connection,
environmental action, creativity, and possibility.
Mini Mart City Park is a nonprofit space
for art exhibition, educational programming,
and community gathering founded by artists
collective SuttonBeresCuller. They are here in the back.
I just want to say hello.
Ben Beres, John Sutton, and Zac Culler.
This patch of land has quite the story to tell,
one that is rooted in reimagining how and
where community spaces can exist.
For decades,
this site stood as a residential brownfield,
home to a defunct gas station
that embodied environmental neglect
with residual polluted soil.
And contaminated groundwater, brambles, and broken concrete.
Mini Mart City Park exists as an example of
how creative thinking and partnership
can address some of the climate challenges
that we are faced with today.
That ingenuity, environmental action,
and community wellbeing are not separate concerns.
They are deeply intertwined.
We couldn't be more honored to gather here today,
Earth Day, with our neighbors, partners, supporters,
and fellow environmental stewards.
To share what climate resiliency looks like
through Mini Mart City Park.
When founder SuttonBeresCuller first leased this property,
one solution for cleaning the soil
that was presented to them
was to move the contaminated soil over 450 miles
to Southern Oregon.
Only increasing the environmental impact
and not really solving the issue.
In good conscious,
they determined this cannot be the only solution.
Instead, they set forth on a thoughtful stewardship path
to explore a more impactful approach.
Rather than moving the contaminants
to become someone else's problem,
using more petroleum than they were trying
to clean up in the first place.
They worked with environmental consultants
to comprehensively address the contamination
by installing an underground soil remediation system.
Through years of collaboration with environmental scientists,
city and organizational partners, community members,
and many of you here today. We are proud to report
that three years of our remediation efforts
have resulted in over 100 pounds of petroleum hydrocarbons
being extracted from the soil. And then that --
and that two out of three of our monitoring wells
are now testing below cleanup levels.
That's pretty incredible, so.
We have also taken a holistic approach
to community brownfield revitalization
by incorporating green infrastructure
throughout this space.
Green walls, bio-retention planters,
native and drought-tolerant plantings,
and permeable surfaces
to manage storm water and improve water quality.
Additionally, just last month,
and thanks to the support from the city's
Office of Planning and Community Development and Office
of Sustainability and Environment's
Resiliency Hub Programming Initiatives.
We activated our new solar infrastructure.
It's quite beautiful. So thank you.
This means that we're now cleaning soil contaminants
with the power of the sun, and that in extended power outages,
we have the capability of providing power
for up to 72 hours.
These green infrastructure functions are also reflected
in our programming efforts.
From our green storm water infrastructure and
youth training program to our recently-developed
resiliency programming plan.
We aim to act as a resource for the various ways
individuals can take small action in their communities...
and play an important role
And will be hosting our first climate preparedness
and resiliency event on May 10th
in partnership with the Georgetown Community Council.
In a region as vulnerable to climate impacts
as the Duwamish Valley,
we know resilience must be rooted in community.
Transforming this spot into a public green space that is safe,
healthy, and thriving couldn't have happened
without the steadfast support of many departments
of the city of Seattle and King County.
Among many, many others.
Your partnership has helped us believe in
the potential of this project.
We also thank our neighbors in the Duwamish Valley
who guided us,
remind us of the importance of environmental justice,
and who now continue to help shape the future of the space.
Mini Mart City Park is not just a park.
It's a platform for artists, for environmental and art educators,
for activists,
for youth, and for anyone
who wants to explore the intersection
of sustainability and creativity.
Across the nation and world,
there are hundreds of thousands of sites like this.
And Mini Mart City Park stands as an example
that even the most neglected of spaces
can become sources of healing and inspiration.
And a story of transformation -- it is a story of transformation
and one that we're excited to continue to share.
Thank you all for being a part of it.
-Thank you so much.
It's so wonderful to hear of all of the different things
that have happened to make this space a reality.
And that important city, and nonprofit,
and community partnership that brings things like this alive.
So thank you for telling that story.
I am now more than
delighted to introduce a climate champion on the City Council,
Council Member Alexis Mercedes Rinck,
who is the chair of the Sustainability Committee.
And has been such a thoughtful partner throughout
and we know you are going to continue to be a champion
as we move through this process.
So welcome on up.
-All right, good morning, everybody.
I hope you all can see me in the back.
Unlike our mayor, I, on the other hand,
am very short, so I hope you can see me back there.
Good morning, everybody.
I am humbled to be a part of such an all-star
lineup this morning.
And even more humbled to be before all of you
as champions and folks
who have been doing the work to bring us
and make the progress that we have made on climate action.
So can you please give it up for yourselves this morning?
Today, we stand together on Earth Day
and I want to be absolutely clear.
The climate crisis isn't knocking at our front door.
It is already inside the house.
We've seen it in record heatwaves
that have threatened our most vulnerable residents.
And I know that because I've been out on the streets
in those heatwaves delivering materials to folks
who are actively suffering in the midst of those.
And we've breathed it through the wildfire smoke
that has choked our city in summers past.
And we've watched it every year
as communities of color and working-class
neighborhoods bear the heaviest burden
on environmental injustice.
Mayor Harrell's executive order to update our
Climate Action Plan is a critical step and I commend it
and I appreciate it.
And let us also be clear
that this must be a catalyst to Seattle's
next bold step in climate leadership.
Transportation emissions remain our city's
largest source of climate pollution.
This isn't accidental.
It's the result of decades of car-centered planning
that has left too many of our neighbors
with no choice other than to drive.
How many people drove here today?
It's okay.
Therein lies the problem and we can do better.
As the sustainability committee chair,
I'll be working to ensure
that this updated Climate Action Plan delivers
on transformative change in how we move through Seattle.
We need protected bike lanes and sidewalks in every neighborhood,
not just our affluent ones.
Reliable, frequent public transit
that actually serves people where they live and work.
Accessible transportation options
for our seniors and people with disabilities.
And strategic investments in EV
charging infrastructure prioritizing multifamily housing
and public facilities
as detailed in our recently-passed
Transportation Electrification Strategic Action Plan.
And thank you to City Light
who I know is represented here
for their hard work shepherding that.
And we must put justice at the center of climate action
and that means creating union green jobs
that provide living wages and benefits.
Implement an anti-displacement policy
so working families aren't forced out of their communities
as we improve our infrastructure.
Investing in historically underinvested neighborhoods
that have suffered from decades of environmental racism.
And ensuring that the benefits
of our green transition reach everyone.
We don't need another plan that sits on a shelf.
We need bold action
that matches the scale of the crisis ahead of us.
And that's why I'm so excited to work in partnership
with the mayor's office,
the Office of Sustainability, City Light,
and all of our departments represented here today.
To deliver on a plan that gets us to carbon neutral by 2050,
or sooner.
Be optimistic.
A plan that will outline clear intermediate milestones
with clear short-term actions. A plan that has expanded funding
for community-led sustainability initiatives
to create more spaces just like the one we're here at today.
Partnerships with our labor partners
to ensure just transition and robust accountability measures
to track our progress.
Seattle has the resources, the talent.
This group here today really exemplifies that.
And we have the will to lead the nation
in addressing the climate crisis.
And we know that leadership means more
than just setting goals.
It means ensuring that every resident benefits
from our green transition. You know,
I also chair
the Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Change
where Council is tracking how changes in federal policy
will have impacts to our city.
And this action here today demonstrates
that Seattle will not back down
from our work in addressing the climate crisis.
The future of our city depends on climate action
that leaves no one behind.
And as your sustainability chair,
I'm committed to pushing beyond incremental change
towards transformative solutions that our community deserves.
And together, we can build a Seattle
that is not only carbon neutral but truly a city
where clean air, safe streets,
and sustainable transportation are rights, not just privileges.
Thank you for being here. Now let's get to work.
-Thank you so much, Council Member Rinck.
One more round of applause.
Whoo! All right.
I am now delighted to welcome 30-year veteran
of Seattle Department of Transportation,
fearless Director Adiam Emery,
who is going to talk a little bit
about her vision and dedication to sustainability.
Let's give a warm round of applause.
-Alrighty. It's brisk. Happy Earth Day.
Thank you, Mayor Harrell, and thank you to all our partners,
city colleagues, and community advocates for being here today.
I especially want to share my gratitude
with our city family departments
who are helping lead this work across the city.
At SDOT, we know the way people move through Seattle,
whether on foot, by bike, by bus, by scooter,
or by car, shapes the health, resilience,
and equity of our city.
That's why we're proud to support this executive order
which brings new urgency to reduce transportation emissions
and build climate resilience with tangible near
and midterm action.
Transportation makes up to 60% of our Seattle
core greenhouse gas emission.
So the work we do together has real impact.
Through our climate change response framework,
we're focused on making low-emission travels options
more accessible, safe, and reliable for everyone.
That includes a citywide network over 200 miles of bike lanes.
The one across the street
which is being built with a lot of trees, right?
And over 50 million in annual investments in transit service,
access programs, and rider experience.
This EO moves us forward on several fronts.
As the mayor shared,
we're preparing for that 2026 FIFA Cup.
Who's a soccer fan? Coming up, yeah.
Where we aim for 80% of fans to arrive without personal cars.
We will do this by working with local partners
to expand shared micro mobility, improve transit options.
And create welcoming walkable streets near Seattle Center,
Pike Place Market,
which tomorrow will be the first pilot
that will be issued with less cars.
Yay. The Chinatown International District and Pioneer Square.
We're also investing in low pollution neighborhoods,
starting with communities facing the greatest environmental
and traffic safety challenges.
These areas will be designed in partnership with the residents
to improve air quality and create more livable streets.
Our work to expand transportation electrification
includes adding charging infrastructure at parks,
libraries, community centers.
And launching a new e-cargo bike program
and bringing electric car share options to environmental justice
neighborhoods, all while upgrading the grid
to ensure access is affordable and reliable.
Thanks, [inaudible] City Lights.
She's somewhere here. We're also making it easier
for people to choose a variety of options to get around.
Through an approach called
transportation demand management,
we're helping people shift to walking, biking, transit,
or carpooling, especially during major projects like Revive I-5.
It's just coming up this June.
And with the average trip in Seattle
being just over two miles,
we have an amazing opportunity to flip short trips
to be more sustainable modes. And as that,
we're committed to build a city that's more connected,
climate ready, and community first, trip by trip,
neighborhood by neighborhood.
Thank you so much for having me here.
-All right.
Thank you so much, Director Emery.
We so appreciate your leadership.
We are going to continue our transportation theme now
and welcome to the podium Kirk Hovenkotter.
Who is the executive director
of Transportation Choices Coalition.
Come on up.
-Hey, everybody. Happy Earth Day.
I want to thank Deputy Mayor Farrell and the mayor
for having me here today.
I'm Kirk Hovenkotter.
I'm the current executive director
of transportation choices coalition.
Transportation Choices Coalition is Washington State's
nonprofit advocate for safe, sustainable,
and equitable transportation. Today, on Earth Day,
I'm honored to stand with the mayor and community leaders
in support of this executive order.
I think it's meaningful to have this conversation here
on the site of a former gas station
turned community art center.
And at its front door is a bike path
that will connect all the way from downtown to South Park.
Providing a safe, accessible and carbon-free way
to get between these communities
that have born the front of pollution.
On a beautiful day like today,
it might feel like things are going in the right direction
in our environment.
But the reality is more sobering.
Environmental protections across our country
are being rolled back to embower corporate polluters.
The work of nonprofits addressing the climate crisis
is more important than ever.
We stand with these organizations
because we are one of them.
If we are going to slow the climate crisis,
we must make transit biking
and walking the first choice for more Seattleites.
Fifty-eight percent of the emissions in Seattle
come from transportation.
The vast majority of that
is people driving alone in their cars.
And as
the Office of Sustainability Environments
Greenhouse Gas Inventory points out, that's only growing.
Seattleites don't have time to waste in so many regards.
If they choose --
they will choose transportation that feels safe
and gets them between A to B as quickly as possible
and saves them time and money.
That's why we need more frequent and reliable busses.
We need safe bike paths and we need great sidewalks.
We're proud -- we were proud to help lead the passage
of the Seattle Transportation Levy,
the largest levy in city history with the mayor,
to make investments in our streets,
our trails, our transit.
On this Earth Day, we know that the work isn't done yet.
This executive order commits the city to go further,
especially a time
when our federal government is pulling backwards.
We will fund investments that will make it easier
for people to walk, bike, ride,
and roll to destinations across the city
and get more transit passes into people's hands today.
Transit riders will benefit from the mayor's executive order
and we are excited to see it put into action.
Thank you to the mayor.
Thank you to Deputy Mayor Farrell, Director Emery,
and thank you all for your time today.
Thanks. -All right, thank you, Kirk.
So before we transition to our final speaker,
I just wanted to say a big thank you to Deputy Mayor Wong,
who is here today.
Director Chow, who is in the back.
Margarita from the One Roof Foundation.
And raise your hand if you're an OSC staff.
You guys put in so much work into making this happy today.
Thank you. You guys are so fantastic.
I am now delighted to introduce Emily Pinckney
who is the -- yay!
Let's give a round of applause right now.
There we go.
Who is the co-chair of the city's
Green New Deal Oversight Board.
Raise your hand if you're part
of the Green New Deal Oversight Board.
Let's give you all a round of applause.
These members of this committee
work so hard to advance climate justice policies for the city.
And we so appreciate their dedication, the time,
and all of their passion in helping build a city
that is equitable, just,
and sustainable for every single one of us.
So with that,
I'm so delighted to introduce Emily to bring us on home.
Come on up, Emily.
-You have my speech. All right, thanks, dad.
Heard you. So hi, everyone. I'm super-excited to be here.
This is a beautiful day.
Happy Earth Day, everyone, right?
We did it. We're here.
I'm actually I will say as I've heard everybody's speeches,
I started to become so emotional
because I'm so proud of being in this city
and being surrounded by so many amazing people.
You know, my name's Emily.
I use she/her/they/them pronouns.
I've been an intersectional environmentalist for years
and I have the privilege and pleasure
of being on the Green New Deal Oversight Board
and in the emissions reduction position Seattle.
But, you know, we're not just here to talk about climate
but to talk about justice, and resilience,
and a future that really belongs to all of us.
You know, we've seen the floods.
We've seen the wildfires.
You know, we saw the heat dome in 2021 that shattered records
and took lives,
lives of our elders, lives of our unsheltered neighbors,
of most -- our most vulnerable and underserved communities.
And we know that these life-threatening climate events,
they're not some distant warning
but they are here today and they are accelerating in frequency,
in severity, and in impact.
We don't have the luxury of delay.
Emissions are already sneaking back
towards those pre-pandemic levels, and at this rate,
we need to move ten times faster
to meet the urgency of this moment.
Now is the time for people-powered solutions.
But that's why we're here today.
This new climate action plan is more than just policy.
It's a promise.
It's a promise to act boldly, to act together, and to act justly.
This plan lays out the foundation for a future
where our communities, our environments,
both natural and built are healthy,
and safe, and resilient.
Where clean green union jobs are powering this just transition.
Where community engagement is not extractive nor performative
but it's led by frontline voices.
Especially Black and Indigenous folks, immigrants,
folks with disabilities,
and historically underserved communities.
Who have been on the front lines for far too long
and right in the front of environmental injustice
for far too long.
No one is left behind in Seattle's clean energy future.
This is why things like resilient hubs,
like this amazing place that we are in today,
these are communities
that are equipped to respond to the extreme weather,
to offer care, power, shelter.
These places are essential
because resilience isn't just about bouncing back.
It's about building forward smarter and more equitably.
We're also honing in on one
of the biggest contributors to emissions.
That's transportation.
Right now, transportation is responsible for 58% of Seattle's
greenhouse gas emissions.
And we know this disproportionately impacts
BIPOC communities
who are often left with the fewest transportation options
and the most exposure to pollution.
The Climate Action Plan has a vision of public transit
that's accessible, affordable, and green.
As well as having ideas of walkable neighborhoods
and decarbonizing infrastructure
that connects every single neighborhood
in this beautiful city.
We build on the strength and vision of our ancestors,
the ones who protected the land, the water, and each other.
We build on the work of our communities
who fought for environmental justice for decades.
Their legacy lives within this plan
and in the commitments that we are making here today.
And let's be clear, Seattle's not just some city.
We are a sanctuary city. We are a climate refuge.
People come here and will continue to come here
to seek safety, hope, and a new future.
We must be ready not just with policies but with compassion,
infrastructure, and vision.
This plan is our blueprint and it'll take all of us,
the mayor, city leaders, workers, organizers,
artists, our neighbors, to bring this to life.
We are not starting from scratch.
We are rising from a foundation of wisdom,
resistance, and community power, right?
Right?
So let's move together with urgency,
with hope, and with each other.
Seattle, as a climate leader, the world is watching us now.
Let's show them what it means to lead with justice.
Thank you. -Okay, that was so inspiring.
Thank you so much, Emily.
We are now going to do the signing event.
So I'm going to have Mayor Harrell come to the blue chair
here and why don't we have folks in the first three rows
file up on either side and we'll stand around the table.
-I do have to say one thing, though.
-Oh, yeah. -I have to say one thing.
Emily, I'm going to need a copy of that speech
when you leave, okay?
Thank you very much.
-Okay, come on up and have a seat.
Have a -- Come stand right here. -That was really powerful.
-That was awesome. -Thank you so much.
Thank you. [inaudible] here?
It feels like this is the first time I've ever been called.
[ Indistinct conversations ]
-You got a good shot there, Jeff?
-We got you. -Alright.
[ Indistinct conversations ]
Nice pen [inaudible] too.
All right. Yay! -Yay!
-Emily, you killed it.
It was amazing. -Oh, thank you so much.
-Okay, final, final words.
I have -- ah ha. Okay.
It is Earth Day, so of course,
we are going to do something with leaves.
So on your way out, you will see these green leaves
where you get to imagine and commit to one thing
that you are going to do to improve our climate,
to participate in our Climate Action Plan.
And it's an opportunity to actually influence
the Climate Action Plan right now.
So I wrote down I'm going to drive less, walk and bike more,
because, of course, deep down, I'm a true believer.
So let's get out of our cars and thank you,
once again, Mayor Harrell, for your leadership,
and everyone for being here.
Thank you. Have a great day. -Great job.
Great job. -Thank you. Great job.