RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 6, 2019
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing World Environment Day
Body
WHEREAS, June 5, 2019 is World Environment Day. It is an environmental awareness day created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. The goal of World Environment Day is to increase knowledge of the environment and raise concern regarding specific environmental issues; and
WHEREAS, approximately 143 countries participate in the celebration of World Environment Day; and
WHEREAS, each year a different country hosts World Environment Day; whereby the host country designates a focus for that year; and
WHEREAS, China will be the host of the 2019 World Environment Day and this year’s focus will be air pollution, encouraging insight and discussion regarding what changes can be made to our everyday lives which will reduce the amount of air pollution produced with the aim toward preventing global warming and its multitude of effects on the world, including human health; and
WHEREAS, those who participate in World Environment Day include non-governmental organizations, governments, communities, individuals, and charities; and
WHEREAS, millions of people have taken part in thousands of registered activities worldwide promoting change in our consumption habits as well as in national and international environmental policy; and
WHEREAS, the statistics regarding the effects of air pollution are alarming. Nine out of ten people worldwide are exposed to levels of air pollution that exceed World Health Organization safe levels. Approximately 7,000,000 people worldwide die prematurely each year from air pollution, with 3.8 million of those deaths being caused by indoor air pollution and 400,000 being caused by transport emissions. Almost half of all deaths caused by air pollution are a result of diesel emissions. People living closest to major traffic arteries are up to 12 percent more likely to be diagnosed with dementia. Additionally, air pollution has been linked to lower IQs; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago supports the mission of World Environment Day and encourages everyone to take an active role in protecting our environment; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, do hereby recognize World Environment Day; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented.
Dated: June 6, 2019