Do you support the formation of a Climate Resiliency Advisory Board by the Manhattan KS City Commission?

We believe this Advisory Board should be equitably derived, community-driven, and tasked with the development and implementation of a comprehensive Climate Action Plan by mid 2021 with the goal of reducing carbon emissions by at least 30% by 2030.

We are already seeing the impacts of a changing climate. If we do not take immediate action to reduce emissions, we face increased risks of extreme drought, fires, floods, and food shortages. In Kansas, increases in extreme weather threaten livelihoods, destabilize communities, and drain resources, with our farmers, ranchers, construction workers, first responders, and military personnel among some of the first to experience these effects. In Manhattan we are already observing these impacts as more frequent and severe weather events have caused flooding along Wildcat Creek, in the Tuttle Creek Lake watershed, and along rivers in neighboring Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. Furthermore, climate change exacerbates existing inequities; our vulnerable populations in Manhattan - children, seniors, low income communities, communities of color, immigrant communities, those with chronic disease, pregnant women, Indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities - will both bear the greatest burden and be most impacted.

The refusal to plan and act meaningfully in addressing climate change is alarming, short-sighted, and will continue to have increasingly devastating impacts on Manhattan residents. This crisis is immense, without precedent, and is currently being met in an unjust manner. Local leaders and residents need to be ethical, courageous, strategic, and equitable in response; we must collectively challenge ourselves to think about our long-term health, both economically and ecologically. We must reduce the risks of climate change to safeguard the future of Manhattan

The community of Manhattan has the capacity, resources, and ingenuity to collectively mitigate the impacts of the current climate crisis and, as a result, become a healthier, more resilient, and self-sustaining community.

If you agree and are or are planning to be a registered voter in Manhattan KS, please sign this petition that is being presented to Manhattan City Commission candidates.