Residents will be asked for their thoughts on climate change. 
Frederick, Md (KM) The Climate Emergency Mobilization Work Group is conducting an outreach. “Our initial survey, which will be going out in December to the business community, educational community and frontline communities, is literally an introduction of who were are and why we’re here in the community, and get some basic starter input,” says Sonia Demiray, a Co-Chair of the Public Awareness and Outreach Committee of the Work Group.
She says a second set of surveys will be sent out next year. “Once we know a little more, we will be able to send out an additional survey which we’re planning on probably in February or March. And that will be more targeted on what potential plans might be recommended,” Demiray says.
And if you didn’t receive a survey, Demiray says you can go on line to participate. The web address is www.MobilizeFrederick.org, and click on the “We Hear You” button.
The Climate Emergency Mobilization Work Group was established by the Frederick Board of Aldermen and the County Council to propose legislative, administrative, and community recommendations to assist the City and the County in meeting goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and best prepare residents for the climate change future, according to a news release.
Demiray says the Work Group also wants to hear from climate change skeptics. “We are here to listen to absolutely everybody in the community,” she said. “We know there are different opinions and different takes on what exactly is happening and we are respectful of all of these.”
Demiray says climate change isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s also a social issue which affects residents who are struggling to make ends meet. “Frontline communities and fence line communities are far more impacted by climate change than most others,” she said. “We are even seeing that with the affects of the pandemic.”
The Climate Emergency Mobilization Work Group is expected to have a final report with recommendations in September, 2021.
By Kevin McManus