News

Mayor Kenney leaves “climate change” out of his Budget Address

The Mayor’s 6th budget address makes no mention of climate or environment. Councilmember Gilmore Richardson calls him out.

Today, Mayor Kenney delivered his sixth budget address to City Council. However, there was not a single mention of climate change, the environment or clean streets.

Kenney did announce a $1 million investment to improve air quality and mentioned pollution, without the greater issue of the climate crisis. The city cut the Zero Waste and Litter cabinet in May 2020 due to pandemic reductions.

Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Chair of City Council’s Committee of the Environment, called out Kenney for this absence. “While the Mayor has made significant commitments to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, achieving zero waste, and protecting our natural resources, we must integrate this work into all City operations and understand how our decisions today will impact our resiliency tomorrow,” said Gilmore Richardson in a statement.

Leaving climate change out of an important address can have negative impacts. Climate experts like Katharine Hayhoe have said that talking about climate change is the most important thing to do, so people feel invested to take action on the problem.

As Hayhoe said, “if we do not have these conversations, how do we expect the world to change?”

If the entire city of Philadelphia can rally against an oat milk company in a few hours, there’s potential to make a way larger impact on something as urgent as the climate crisis.


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Green Philly Podcast Receives $27,500 Grant from Independence Public Media Foundation

The awarded project was a part of the 2024 Community Voices Fund grant recipients, with $800,000…

2 days ago

Community investments, coastal zone protections, sustainable fashion and more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news. Shapiro administration announces grant funding for hundreds of…

2 days ago

Zero Fare pilot delivered 4.3 million free rides in its first year

Zero Fare’s success highlights the importance of free public transit for underserved communities. For many…

3 days ago

Citywide cleanups, SEPTA troubles, solar procurement & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news. October was exceptionally hot and dry. The average…

1 week ago

State Representative Chris Rabb wants you to start the sustainability journey where you are.

In our latest Civic Catalysts column, Rep Rabb talks nerding out about cool science, vertical…

1 week ago

Exploring Schuylkill Center’s accredited arboretum: a commitment to native trees

Discover native trees, urban ecology, and vibrant community engagement at Philadelphia’s newly acclaimed arboreal landmark.…

2 weeks ago