The world is facing a climate and ecological crisis. While it is true that the Great Lakes Region is predicted to experience less severe climate change impacts in terms of severe weather, droughts, wildfires, and more, we will experience not only environmental changes, such as increased precipitation and shifting season patterns, but also effects from changes elsewhere, including climate migration, food shortages, supply-chain disruptions, and increasing social instability. We have a responsibility to do our part to mitigate climate change as well as to prepare for the coming climate impacts.

The approved 2023 municipal budget for Cleveland Heights funds the hire of a Sustainability Coordinator, who will be tasked with overseeing the development and subsequent implementation of a Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP) for the entire city. In addition, they will advise the mayor and staff on how to effectively decrease carbon emissions in City operations. This is an excellent first step, and I am looking forward to supporting the guidance, ideas, and policy changes that our future Sustainability Coordinator will bring.

In addition, Cleveland Heights is fortunate to be the home of many residents and citizen groups knowledgeable and passionate about GHG mitigation, environmental regeneration, and climate justice. I strongly believe that our City government is stronger when we include our residents in such critical conversations, and I have been and will continue to be an advocate for finding ways to integrate citizen voices in our City’s decision making.

Becoming not just sustainable but also regenerative will mean changing the status quo. It will mean learning new ways of thinking about what is beautiful, necessary, and just. For the sake of our children, grandchildren, and future generations, our City government must be a leader in implementing solutions, innovating future-oriented best practices, and helping our community build awareness of environmental issues and solutions.