HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2017-042 Resolution of Commitment to Adopt, Honor and Uphold the Paris Climate Agreement RESOLUTION#2017-042 (r ed t q
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION OF COMMITMENT TO ADOPT,HONOR AND UPHOLD THE
PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the scientific community has reached an overwhelming consensus that the
earth's climate is warming and human activity—specifically,burning fossil fuels that emit
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases—is the primary cause of warming; and
WHEREAS, large coastal states such as North Carolina are disproportionately vulnerable
to the effects of climate change, including extreme heat, severe storms, and sea level rise;
and
WHEREAS,reducing carbon emissions will help protect Orange County,North Carolina,
residents and future generations—particularly those who are most economically and
physically vulnerable—and mitigate the consequences of extreme weather that hurt the
economy; and
WHEREAS,reducing carbon emissions and preparing for climate change will reduce
illnesses caused by air pollution, high heat, and extreme weather; and
WHEREAS, Orange County,North Carolina has reduced energy consumption by 15%
per square foot since 2012, has made a formal resolution to reduce carbon emissions by
80%by 2050 against 2005 levels, and has committed to move to 100%renewable energy
by 2050, and
WHEREAS, President Trump has committed to withdrawing the United States from the
Paris Agreement,thereby retreating from the commitment to limit global warming to
below two degrees Celsius; and
WHEREAS, Orange County,North Carolina and other state and local governments must
commit to aggressive climate action in the absence of federal leadership,
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,the Board of Orange County
Commissioners hereby commits to proportionally upholding the commitment made by the
United States in the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 26 and
28 percent by 2025 from 2005 levels
This the 6t" day of June 2017.
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners