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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2018-85 - Climate Inheritance Resolution - 07/17/2018 CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 2018-85 CLIMATE INHERITANCE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE COMMITMENT OF THE EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL TO WORK WITH THE YOUTH OF EDEN PRAIRIE TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE WHEREAS, the greatest burden resulting from an inadequate response to the climate crisis will be carried by the youngest generation, and all who follow; and WHEREAS, the risks from an inadequate response are potentially devastating, and include economic and environmental disruptions, many of which are already being felt such as more severe storms, longer and hotter heat waves,worsening flood and drought cycles, growing invasive species and insect problems, accelerated species extinction rates,rising sea levels, increased wildfires, and a dramatic increase in refugees from climate impacted lands; and WHEREAS, leading climate scientists have indicated that further delay in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions will rapidly push humanity past the point where disastrous consequences can be avoided; and WHEREAS, numerous governmental and non-governmental bodies across the nation and the world have already adopted plans to immediately and rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS,the City of Eden Prairie has already begun this effort through the creation of an energy action plan that was approved by the City Council on January 2018; and WHEREAS, the youth of Eden Prairie subsequently brought to Council a Youth Climate Report Card highlighting the gap between what we are doing today and actions that would be necessary to protect their future; and WHEREAS,the youth of Eden Prairie have indicated a willingness to work with City Council on such actions and proposed a goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and 100% renewable electricity by 2030; and WHEREAS,the City Council recognizes the importance of this goal but also understands the need to work within the framework of the recently-approved energy action plan. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Eden Prairie City Council and the youth of Eden Prairie commit to working constructively using ingenuity, innovation, and courageous determination to implement Eden Prairie's Energy Action Plan, and will together look for ways to achieve the youth's goals of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and 100% renewable electricity by 2030. The implementation of the plan shall be equitable by ensuring that all people, regardless of race,gender, or income can experience the full benefits of cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City is committed to the ongoing inclusion of young people in the process of executing and amending sustainable-related policies and actions. ADOPTED by the Eden Prairie City Council on this 171h day of July, 2018. Na cy T -Lu ns, a r ATTEST: Kat Teen Porta, City Clerk