Mayoral Proclamations

Earth Day and Earth Month Proclamation (PDF)

WHEREAS, Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970 and today is observed throughout the month of April as Earth Month; and

WHEREAS, new and continuing challenges, including climate change, pollution, sea level rise, and loss of forests, wetlands, and other wildlife habitats reinforce the need for adequate protections for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we inhabit, and the animals we live alongside; and

WHEREAS, recent reports from the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the National Climate Assessment have made clear that we are in a global climate emergency by documenting the extent, speed, and acceleration of global climate change and planetary warming and their dramatic effects on our Earth; and

WHEREAS, the most vulnerable populations, which are often black, indigenous, or people of color, will be disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change, exacerbating unemployment, displacement, and homelessness; and

WHEREAS, communities, neighborhoods and residents most vulnerable to climate impacts tend to be the least prepared to manage and recover, and our youth will see the long-term results of a dramatically changing climate; and

WHEREAS, the City of Takoma Park declared a Climate Emergency in 2019, a Climate Emergency Response Framework for Takoma Park was adopted in 2020; and the City of Takoma Park has committed to the aggressive climate action goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2035; and

WHEREAS, Earth Day reaffirms our responsibility in the global effort to combat climate change and protect our planet for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TALISHA SEARCY, MAYOROF THE CITY OF TAKOMA PARK,hereby proclaim April 22, 2024 as Earth Day and the month of April as Earth Month in the City, and call on residents to reflect on our environmental impact and commit to positive change by participating in local level efforts including the upcoming Earth Day Celebration on April 20, 2024.

Proclaimed this 10th day of April, 2024.