Agenda Packet 5-20-19 Work Session

Home Browse Search

Resolution - Page 1 of 3 RESOLUTION NO. ______ A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR SUPPORT OF THE JULIANA V. U.S. YOUTH PLAINTIFFS AND THE SCIENCE-BASED NATIONAL CLIMATE RECOVERY PLAN THEY SEEK. The City Council of the City of Eugene finds that: A.There is a broad scientific consensus among climate scientists that human activities, contributing to increases in greenhouse gas emissions, are the dominant cause of climate change. B.Mean global temperature is increasing as a result of increased atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), emitted from human activities, including burning fossil fuels; and the decade from 2000 to 2010 was the warmest on record; and if trends continue 2019 will join 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 in being the hottest years on record. C.CO2 levels in the atmosphere have surpassed 400 parts per million (ppm) for the first time in 3,000,000 years, with a global annual mean of 408.5 ppm in 2018. D. The last time CO2 levels were as high as they are today the seas were approximately 65 feet higher and Greenland was ice-free. E.Emissions of greenhouse gases and especially CO2 are already causing large-scale planetary changes including ocean acidification, ocean warming, and warming of the Earth’s surface, which lead to rising seas, more frequent and severe extreme weather events, heat waves and drought, intense and destructive wildfires, disrupted ecosystems and agriculture, more disease, famine, and conflict and human loss of life, all of which have devastating impacts on physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing. F.The impacts of climate change will worsen as greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere and accumulate over the coming decades, and will profoundly impact the youngest generation throughout their lives, as well as the lives of future generations. G.The Fourth Oregon Climate Assessment Report, issued by Oregon Climate Change Research Institute in 2018 (OCCRI Report), found that the threat posed by climate change is real and Oregon’s climate is projected to warm on average 3–7°F by the 2050s and 5–11°F by the 2080s. H.The OCCRI Report warns that the health of Oregonians is threatened, as more frequent heat waves are expected to increase heat-related illness and death; more frequent wildfires and poor air quality are expected to increase respiratory illnesses; warmth and extreme precipitation are expected to increase the risk of exposure to some vector- and water-borne diseases; access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food may be jeopardized. May 20, 2019, Work Session - item 1