HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2017-74 - Support for Paris Agreement - 07/11/2017 CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2017-74
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PARIS AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, consensus exists among the world's leading climate scientists that global
warming caused by emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities is among the most
significant problems facing the world today; and
WHEREAS, documented impacts of global warming include but are not limited to
increased occurrences of extreme weather events (e.g. droughts and floods), adverse impacts on
ecosystems, demographic patterns and economic value chains; and
WHEREAS, responding to the climate change provides communities an opportunity to
access first-mover advantage in the range of products, services and know-how that transitioning
to a climate-compatible future brings; and
WHEREAS, the Paris Agreement is a commitment from almost every nation, except the
United States of America, to take action and enact programs to limit global temperature increase
to less than 2 degrees Celsius, with an expectation that this goal would be reduced to 1.5 degrees
in the future; and
WHEREAS,the State of Minnesota's Next Generation Energy Act has resulted in more
than 21 percent of the state's electricity coming from renewable sources, strengthened
Minnesota's economy, supports 15,000 clean energy jobs and contributes over $1-billion in
economic activity to Minnesota every year; and
WHEREAS, the City of Eden Prairie's 20-40-15 initiative resulted in a 21.8-percent
increase in energy efficiency in City facilities and a 44.4-percent increase in fuel efficiency in the
City's vehicle fleet; and
WHEREAS, the City of Eden Prairie has achieved Step 5 in the Minnesota GreenStep
Cities program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE:
l. Indicates its continued commitment to reducing GHG emissions through the Sustainable
Eden Prairie initiative and Aspire Eden Prairie 2040 comprehensive plan; and
2. Joins other US cities in the Climate Mayors network in adopting and supporting the goals
of the Paris Agreement; and
3. Commits to continue exploring the potential benefits and costs of adopting policies and
programs that promote the long-term goal of GHG emissions reduction while maximizing
economic and social co-benefits of such action.
4. Encourages our delegates in Washington, D.C. and St. Paul, and our president, to take
meaningful steps toward reducing energy use and developing renewable sources of
energy.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Eden Prairie this 11`h day of July, 2017.
'Nakcy T - ay r
ATTEST:
Ka leen Porta, City Clerk