9.6 SR 11-15-2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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WHEREAS, we have already reached a temperature increase of nearly 1.1 degrees Celsius (nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit) as compared to pre -industrial times and the death and destruction already wrought by this level of global warming demonstrate that the Earth is already too hot for safety and justice, as attested by increased and intensifying wildfires, floods, rising seas, diseases, droughts, and extreme weather; WHEREAS, in August 2021 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body responsible for assessing the science related to climate change, released a report that stated "It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere and land," and that "Human influence has warmed the climate at a rate that is unprecedented in at least the last 2000 years," and "with every additional increment of global warming, changes in extremes continue to become larger"; WHEREAS, recent scientific research indicates that to achieve the goal of limiting temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, carbon emissions must be halved by 2030 and reach net zero global emissions by 2050; WHEREAS, a transition to a clean energy economy, if not carefully planned, would have a disruptive effect on impact on the livelihoods of many in our community while a well -planned transition may provide expanded job opportunities for local residents; WHEREAS, 2,012 jurisdictions in 34 countries including Minnesota leaders Duluth, Minneapolis, and Crystal Bay Township, have already declared climate emergencies in order to focus attention on the need for rapid action to address climate change; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that [Name of Community] declares that a climate emergency threatens our city, region, state, nation, humanity and the natural world. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, [Name of Community] commits to working for a just transition and climate emergency mobilization effort and will [pick or create what works for your city]: • Create/Implement a Climate Action Plan • Create a Sustainability and Resiliency Committee that has purview to propose and implement responses and address solutions to climate impacts • Implement GreenStep Cities best practices related to energy, climate actions, climate adaptation and resilience, or other appropriate practices [use pulldown menu at this link for ideas] • Position city with shovel -ready (or identified) projects to take advantage of state and federal climate action funding opportunities BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, [Name of Community] calls on the Minnesota legislature and executive branch to immediately and aggressively support cities of all sizes around Minnesota to both mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change including providing funding and resources for the development and implementation of climate action plans.