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WHEREAS, Earth Day has been commemorated annually on April 22nd since 1970 to demonstrate support for environmental protection, advance sustainability initiatives, and raise awareness about the challenges facing our planet; and,
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WHEREAS, the theme for Earth Day 2024 is "Planet vs Plastics," highlighting the urgent need to address the global crisis caused by the production, proliferation, and pollution of plastics, the impact of which can be felt in every corner of the planet; and,
WHEREAS, plastics have become a pervasive and harmful presence in our ecosystems, endangering wildlife and humans alike, contaminating water sources, and contributing to the degradation of our natural resources; and,
WHEREAS, a global public health crisis has emerged due to plastics contaminating our water, air, land, and food, resulting in hormone disruptions, reproductive issues, and other health complications which cost the United States an estimated $250 billion annually in healthcare costs; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh has taken and will continue to take significant steps toward limiting the pervasiveness of plastics in our waterways, green spaces, waste systems, and neighborhoods; and,
WHEREAS, the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, is scheduled to take place from April 23 to April 29, 2024, at the Shaw Center in Ottawa, Canada, the first session convened in Punta del Este, Uruguay November 28 to December 2, 2022; and,
WHEREAS, it is imperative that we take collective action to reduce plastic consumption, promote sustainable alternatives, and advocate for policies that mitigate the distribution of single-use plastics and plastic waste; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby urge the members of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to create a strong and effective agreement that properly accounts for the complex and differing impacts of plastics on all countries and communities, that can guide the global community toward redesigned systems and products for reuse and recyclability, the reduction and elimination of unnecessary and problematic plastics, and a transformative broader system for justice.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Monday, April 22, 2024, to be “Earth Day” in the City of Pittsburgh and urge all residents, businesses, and institutions to join in efforts to combat plastic pollution, promote environmental sustainability, and work towards a healthier, more resilient planet.