Dupage Policy Journal

At the Nov. 1 Batavia City Council meeting, council had a presentation on strategic plans for increasing the city's environmental responsibility.

“It is absolutely critical that Batavia residents and businesses understand that climate change is starting to happen now and that it will be necessary for all of us to prepare for and manage the potential risks created by climate change,” Susan Stark, a former alderwoman for the city, said during the meeting. “And those risks include water shortages, drought, flooding, fires, excessive heat, extreme cold. We need everyone to buy in to these measures.”

Alderwoman Abby Beck gave a presentation on some steps the city can take to improve its environmental impact. They reviewed some of the city’s accomplishments, which included adopting the Greenest Region Compact II and signing the climate action plan. The city has been updating facilities and encouraging walking, biking, and public transit. It also has started community conversations about a variety of green initiatives.

Council then discussed some of its mitigation tactics to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There were five strategies for the city to consider implementing. They included demonstrating sustainability in municipal operations and public events, electrifying the city, reducing waste management impacts, improving water conservation efforts, and sustaining more green space in the area.

There were also recommendations to help the city deal with the negative consequences of climate change. There were five strategies for adopting. They included engaging and educating the community, incorporating equity and inclusion for vulnerable communities who might be affected more, collaborating and building capacity for emergency events, updating city codes to better reflect measures, and adapting operations and investments.

The committee of the whole will meet again at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the city council chambers at 100 North Island Ave.