Resolution No. 5265 - Laserfiche WebLink

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L Specific to the Willamette Valley, including the City of Eugene, the most densely populated and fastest-growing region in Oregon, greater risks of extreme heat events, summer water scarcity, poor air quality and, according to the Fourth National Climate Assessment, a significant influx of climate refugees from other parts of the U.S. are expected. J. The scientific prescription for avoiding the worst effects of climate change requires returning atmospheric levels of CO2 to 350 ppm by the year 2100, requiring a 96% reduction in fossil fuel emissions by 2050, in addition to significant increases in natural carbon sequestration through reforestation and soil management changes. K. If emission reductions are delayed, it will make it difficult or impossible to meet a safe target; thus, urgent and substantial reductions in CO2 emissions are critical. L. Cities have a duty to current and future generations to protect our climate system and take science -based action on climate change. M. The City of Eugene amended its Climate Recovery Ordinance in 2016 to establish a community CO2 emissions reduction target in line with the 350 ppm by the year 2100 trajectory. N. In a landmark constitutional climate case called Juliana v. U.S., twenty-one youth, including six Eugenians, filed a lawsuit against the executive branch of the United States government for its role in perpetuating climate disruption, alleging violation of the youths' and future generations' rights to life, liberty and property, and equal protection under the law, while also failing to protect essential public resources. O. If the Juliana youth plaintiffs are successful in their case, the federal government likely will be ordered to create and implement a science -based national Climate Recovery Plan designed to phase out the United States' fossil fuel energy system and emissions and draw down excess atmospheric CO2 in line with the 350 ppm by 2100 prescription, thus enhancing Eugene's efforts to get off of fossil fuels and providing us an opportunity to avoid the worst of the predicted climate impacts, stabilize the climate system for current and future generations, protect our communities from fossil fuel pollution, and protect vital natural resources for all. P. On November 10, 2016, U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken found that "the right to a climate system capable of sustaining human life is fundamental to afree and ordered society," thus allowing the Juliana v. U.S. case to move toward trial. Q. The Juliana v. U.S. case will be heard on June 4, 2019 by a three-judge panel in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals through a process called interlocutory appeal, now is the time for cities to speak out in solidarity. R. The voice of the City of Eugene on behalf of its citizens is critically needed, as we envision a society free of fossil fuels and thereby free of the physical, emotional and psychological impacts of climate change on residents of Eugene. Resolution - Page 2 of 3