Group rallies, pushes commissioners on climate change
HAVERFORD » Holding signs displaying slogans like “Save Mother Earth,” and “I care about our planet,” a large group of community activists, including parents and their children, took part in the Havertown Area Community Action Network’s call for action on climate change, which began with a gathering outside the township building shortly before the June commissioners meeting.
“We are in support of the Paris Accord. We want the township to be in support,” said Joy Baxter.
“We are all supporting our climate and would like our township commissioners to take the same stance,” Jason Baxter said.
Demonstrators took their message directly to commissioners during the citizens forum.
“In the wake of President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Accord, we must do more than we are already doing to protect the climate,” said HCAN spokesperson Jean Lutes. “In the absence of national leadership, local leadership has suddenly become even more critical to the welfare of our community. “
Lutes made a two-fold request, asking commissioners to pass a “simple but powerful” resolution stating that “the climate crisis is real. People caused it. And the United States Congress must act now.”
Additionally, Lutes requested a progress report and re-evaluation of the township’s 2009 Climate Change Action Plan.
Prepared by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, with support from officials and the township’s Environmental Advisory Committee, the plan included a baseline greenhouse gas emissions inventory and forecast, as well as strategies for reducing government and community emissions. The township chose a reduction target of 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 for municipal operations.
The Action Plan “was a great first step, and it has been followed by many positive changes,” said Lutes. “But we need to update it and assess how well we are meeting our own goals.”
Gerard Hart, a resident and candidate for commissioner, echoed Lutes’ request, adding that “over 95 percent of climate scientists agree global warming is real and human activity is a major contributor.”
Hart said the township has made strides in some areas, but should also consider purchasing electricity from renewable energy sources, enhancing commitment to biking/ walking trails, parks and green spaces.
Officials were quick to tout environmental milestones in the township in recent years, such as preserving 120 acres open space at Haverford Reserve, in addition to constructing a LEED certified Community Recreation and Environmental Center heated with geothermal energy.
Board President Chris Connell said the new municipal building under construction will be LEED certified and include a green roof.
Officials also cited the EAC’s rain garden initiative, an active Tree Tenders program, retrofitting street lights with LEDs, construction of the Pensy Trail and current efforts to expand the Darby Creek Trail, and a brine program that reduces salt used for deicing roads.
Rather than rest on its laurels, however, Commissioner Kevin McCloskey said it would be worthwhile for the township to revisit the Climate Action Plan.
“We can have a presentation, discuss what we’ve done, then talk about where we are going,” he said.
Vice President Mario Oliva offered to consult EAC for further recommendations.
Commissioner Larry Holmes asked colleagues to follow up on H-CAN’s other suggestion by sending a call for action on global warming to the Pennsylvania General Assembly as well as Congress.
One resident, Ronald O’Connor, had different views on the subject.
“Nobody has ever taken a thermometer to the sun, that I know of. … Nobody has taken a tape measure to the sun,” O’Connor argued, maintaining that natural fluctuations occur.
“I’m here to put some questions in your heads tonight, before we make big changes.” O’Connor recommended letting nature “take its course.” Holmes did not agree. “We know the temperature of the sun. We know the temperature of the Earth, and we know rising sea levels. We know that after an unprecedented 100 years of economic and industrial growth we have global warming. And it will destroy the Earth unless we do something about it. What we can do at the local level, I promise we have done, and will do. And if we can do anything at the state and federal level, I promise we’ll do that, too,” Holmes said.