Mayor Mike Duggan has joined the newly launched Climate Mayors Steering Committee, a group of twenty-four mayors across the nation who collectively will serve as a leading voice in efforts to further climate action. The Steering Committee represents the more than 400 cities across the U.S. that make up the Climate Mayors coalition.
The City of Detroit joined the Climate Mayors Coalition in 2017, as Mayor Duggan agreed to adopt, honor and uphold the Paris Climate Agreement goals. As a member city, Detroit has committed to bold climate action and has followed through on it by:
- Launching the city’s first Sustainability Action Agenda in 2019,
- Passing a greenhouse gas ordinance that commits the City to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from city operations by 35% by the year 2024 and 100% by the year 2050,
- Committing to enhancing energy and water efficiency at city-owned facilities, and
- Leading successful efforts to shut down the city’s trash incinerator and announcing an expansion of recycling services for residential and commercial properties.
“Climate change affects everyone, and action can’t wait. Detroit is committed to doing its part to reduce emissions and plan for the future in a way that prioritizes community health, the vitality of our neighborhoods, and access to opportunity for all Detroiters,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “I’m honored to have been asked to join this group of leaders to share our learnings with other cities around the country.”
The Steering Committee will work alongside the Climate Mayors’ Chair, Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chairs, Mayors Madeline Rogero, Sylvester Turner, and Martin J. Walsh to highlight the importance of city-led climate action in creating healthier, cleaner, and more equitable and sustainable cities. The Steering Committee will also work to build membership and more deeply engage their regions, as well as showcase the impactful work of existing Climate Mayors.
After President Trump announced his initial plans to withdraw from the landmark Paris Agreement in June 2017, more than 300 mayors joined the Climate Mayors coalition, pledging to uphold the goals of the Paris Agreement in their cities and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. The network has since grown to include 438 mayors, both Democrat and Republican, who represent cities ranging in size and region and show the overwhelming support for climate action among the majority of Americans.
Today’s Steering Committee launch builds on the leadership of Climate Mayors across the country who continue to lead on building a healthier and stronger clean energy future, regardless of the decisions made at the federal level.
“Cities across our country and around the world see the impacts of climate change firsthand — and we stand front and center in the fight to address this crisis with every tool at our disposal,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “No matter what happens on the national level, cities know we cannot afford any more debates or delays, so we will continue to act to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, protect our most vulnerable residents, strengthen global health, and create a green economy that works for everyone.”
“The Climate Mayors network is more than four hundred strong, and counting,” said James Ritchotte, Director of Climate Mayors. “We’re excited to have these twenty-four mayors lead us in showcasing the important work of cities and maximizing the collective impact of Climate Mayors across the country who are fighting climate change in their communities.”
The following mayors are members of the Climate Mayors Steering Committee:
- Steve Adler (Austin, TX)
- Ethan Berkowitz (Anchorage, AK)
- Jim Brainard (Carmel, IN)
- Michael Cahill (Beverly, MA)
- Kirk Caldwell (Honolulu, HI)
- LaToya Cantrell (New Orleans, LA)
- Melvin Carter (Saint Paul, MN)
- Jane Castor (Tampa, FL)
- Frank Cownie (Des Moines, IA)
- Bill de Blasio (New York City)
- Mike Duggan (Detroit, MI)
- Buddy Dyer (Orlando, FL)
- Kevin Faulconer (San Diego, CA)
- Greg Fischer (Louisville, KY)
- Kate Gallego (Phoenix, AZ)
- Michael Hancock (Denver, CO)
- James Hovland (Edina, MN)
- Eric Johnson (Dallas, TX)
- Lioneld Jordan (Fayetteville, AR)
- Tim Keller (Albuquerque, NM)
- Ron Nirenberg (San Antonio, TX)
- Bill Peduto (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Satya Rhodes-Conway (Madison, WI)
- Lucy Vinis (Eugene, OR)
For more information, please visit www.climatemayors.org.