August 31, 2017
University Club, 76 East Monroe Street, Chicago, IL
Mayors Climate Forum Agenda
“The poet, Robert Frost, once wrote, ‘The worst that you can do Is set me back a little more behind.’ I think of that admonition when I consider the obligation that elected officials of today have to their constituents as regards the environment. Whether by design or by accident, those who have gone before us made many decisions that today cause terrible consequences. Our beautiful Earth has been set behind in ways that have turned our ecosystems upside down: scientists tell us that the preponderance of our planet’s warming has been manmade, and that warming subsequently has caused changes in our climate that are devastating. It is incumbent on the elected officials of today, therefore, to take the necessary actions to right the wrongs of yesterday. To make right decisions, however, elected officials must have proper understanding of the ills and their causes, and that is the reason events such as the ‘Mayors Climate Forum’ are so very important. We must learn from our mistakes and then find the proper path forward both to remedy the wrongs and to foster new behaviors that will have positive impact for tomorrow.”
– John Ostenburg, Mayor, Village of Park Forest; Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Environment Committee Chairman and Executive Board Secretary
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus convened mayors, key municipal leaders and climate and policy experts for a robust discussion about the science of climate disruption; its impacts on communities and residents; federal and local climate policies; and the role of mayors in leading communities towards solutions that mitigate pollution and manage risks.
Mayors, municipal staff, and environmental leaders listen to opening remarks from the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Environment and Energy Committee Chairman, Mayor Ostenburg of Park Forest.
The following expert panel presented information about climate change:
- Mayor Ostenburg, Village of Park Forest, Environment and Energy Committee Chairman, Opening Presentation & Closing Presentation
- Tom Skilling, Chief Meteorologist, WGN-TV, Presentation, Video
- Bill Foster, Congressman, 11th District, Illinois
- Adele Simmons, President, Global Philanthropy Partnership, Comments
- Seth Darling, Director, Institute for Molecular Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory, Presentation
- Doug Sisterson, Research Meteorologist, ARM Climate Research Facility, Argonne National Laboratory, Presentation, Video
- Mary Gade, President, Gade Environmental Group, LLC; former US EPA and Illinois EPA executive
- Chris Wheat, Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Chicago, Presentation
- Bob Perkowitz, President, ecoAmerica, Presentation
See the full Mayors Climate Forum Agenda
Climate change is an urgent threat facing local governments, the economy, community safety, and individual well-being. Increasingly, mayors are viewed as vital leaders in effective global climate action. The Forum connected local governments and examined the strategies to overcome the threat of climate disruption.
Seth Darling explaining Illinois power plant emission pathways at the Mayors Climate Forum.
While many global cities are pledging to take bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, 58 Caucus member-communities and all councils of governments have already adopted the consensus sustainability goals of the Greenest Region Compact 2. In fact, 65% of Caucus members have collectively reduced CO2 emissions by 76 million pounds through simple building energy efficiency in the past few years. Strategies for meaningful local climate action are clear, achievable, and sustainable. The GRC2 offers a solid framework for meaningful climate action suited to communities of all sizes and strengths in the region. Adopt the GRC2 through municipal resolution and report adoption to the Caucus.
The Chicago Community Trust generously supports the Greenest Region Compact 2.
Future climate forums may include mitigation strategies; adaptation and resilience; measuring and reporting climate action; and public engagement.
Pictures and a video of the Mayors Climate Forum will be made available shortly. Stay tuned on our Twitter @MayorsCaucus for updates.
