RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE PETALUMA CITY (ELEMENTARY) AND PETALUMA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICTS, COUNTY OF SONOMA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA CALLING FOR COMMITMENT TO CLIMATE ACTION

WHEREAS, climate change is a global issue that must be addressed locally; and

WHEREAS, California's Fourth Climate Assessment estimates that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, the average water supply from California's snowpack is projected to decline to 2/3 of historical levels by 2050, and total sea level rise by 2100 is expected to be 54 inches; and

WHEREAS, the Fourth Climate Assessment also finds that actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions also improves California’s air quality; and

WHEREAS, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2016 (Senate Bill 32), called for a reduction of statewide greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, yet current projections show California is unlikely to reach the target at the current rate; and

WHEREAS, climate change and extreme climate-related events such as wildfires, floods, extreme heat and public safety power shutoffs, directly impact the physical and economic health of communities in which our students and their families live, while also causing lost learning days; and

WHEREAS, in 2019 the City of Petaluma declared a climate emergency and has made climate action a top priority for the city; and

WHEREAS, schools in California and nationwide have the potential to effect positive, tangible environmental change while preparing students—in their careers and civic life—to be stewards of their environment; and

WHEREAS, the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards provides an opportunity for students to engage in real-world inquiry and application of science skills in understanding and addressing climate change; and

WHEREAS, implementation of sustainable practices on school campuses, capital investments to improve energy efficiency, and other environmentally mindful purchasing decisions can yield significant cost savings for our schools while reducing greenhouse gas emissions;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Petaluma City Schools (PCS) commits to developing students’ climate literacy and environmental literacy at all grade levels, by integrating these topics into science, social studies, and other relevant subjects; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that PCS recognizes the increasing demand for a skilled workforce in the clean energy and sustainability sectors, and that PCS can help meet this demand by providing enriched learning opportunities for our students to prepare for careers in these emerging and important fields; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that PCS commits to supporting teachers in this endeavor with professional development on curricula in climate literacy, environmental literacy, and careers in sustainability; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that PCS commits to assessing its own greenhouse gas footprint from its regular operations—including, but not limited to, energy consumption, transportation, food services, construction, technology, solid waste, facilities and grounds maintenance—and prioritizing and pursuing opportunities for significant reductions; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that PCS will seek out creative and collaborative partnerships that connect our students and staff with local community groups, businesses, and city and county government on efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that PCS transmits this resolution to the following: the Boards of Education for the school districts of Old Adobe, Waugh, Cinnabar, Liberty, Wilmar, Dunham, and Two Rock; the Petaluma City Council; the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors; and the Sonoma County Board of Education.

The foregoing resolution was introduced by Board Member Webster who moved its adoption, seconded by Member Cloud and adopted on roll call by the following vote:

CLOUD: Aye   GEN: Aye   PAUN: Aye   QUINN: Aye   WEBSTER: Aye

WHEREUPON, the President declared the above resolution adopted and SO ORDERED this 22nd day of June, 2021.

Signed Document of Amended Resolution 1718-29