Message from the Mayor
My fellow Chicagoans,
It gives me great pleasure to present the Chicago Climate Action Plan, which describes the major effects climate change could have on our city and suggests ways all of us can work together to address those challenges.
Early on in my administration, I made a commitment to enhance our environment and make Chicago the most environmentally friendly city in the nation. When I became Mayor, “climate change” wasn’t on the radar for most cities, states and nations around the world – or even for most people.
But I believed then and believe even more deeply today that when you do such things as planting trees and creating open space, when you invest resources to remove pollution from the air and encourage the construction of buildings that are smart for the environment, then you enhance quality of life for all the residents of the city.
I’m proud of the example that Chicago has set in environmental leadership and that is being replicated by cities here and around the world. I believe our efforts demonstrate that embracing an environmentally friendly way of managing government can protect not only the environment, but our taxpayers as well. Chicago is recognized around the world as a leader in protecting our environment. I’m proud that we acted many years ago, in areas that many cities are just beginning to appreciate today.
The Chicago Climate Action Plan outlines a set of bold ideas that could help expand on our successes to slow the effects of climate change. What’s clear is that this will require an enormous amount of hard work and cooperation. It will require the commitment of not only government but also of every individual and business in our city.
Each of us has a critical role to play in this effort.
As you will see when you read this report, some of things we need to do – such as investing in transportation infrastructure – require the involvement of the state and federal government. But other important steps are much simpler and within the reach of each individual. These are things such as driving less and walking more, using energy-efficient light bulbs or turning down the thermostat a few degrees in the winter. I thank the members of the Task Force for the leadership and guidance that led to this plan.
In Chicago we have long appreciated that cities are no longer the enemies of the natural environment; rather they’re leading the way in preserving and protecting it. Since I have been mayor, my goal has been to make Chicago a shining example of how a large city can live in harmony with its environment and as a result, be a better place for all its residents. I am confident that if we address the climate change challenge together, with creativity and boldness, then our city will continue to lead the world in designing a path to a more secure future.
Sincerely,
Mayor Richard M. Daley
Thank You.
Mayor Richard M. Daley would like to thank all of the City of Chicago’s partners for their commitment to the Chicago Climate Action Plan. The overwhelming support and enthusiasm we received as this plan was developed reinforces Chicago’s position as a world environmental leader.A particular thank you goes to the members of the Task Force, and the co-chairs, Sadhu Johnston, Chief Environmental Officer of the City of Chicago, and Adele Simmons, Vice Chair, Chicago Metropolis 2020, President, Global Philanthropy Partnership and for their leadership. The Task Force and its advisors from business, academia, government and the civic community helped us to craft an inspirational and realistic Climate Action Plan.
He would also like to thank the funding organizations of this effort. The success of the Chicago Climate Action Plan and its contributing research is owed to the investment and faith of the Chicago Community Trust, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, the Grand Victoria Foundation, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Joyce Foundation and the Legacy Fund.
