2008-015-Authorizing The Town To Become A Full Member Of Iclei And Participate In The Cities For Climate Protection CampaignRESOLUTION 2008-015
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
AUTHORIZING THE TOWN TO BECOME A FULL MEMBER OF ICLEI AND
PARTICIPATE IN THE CITIES FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION CAMPAIGN
WHEREAS, scientific consensus has developed that Carbon CO 2 and other
greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere have a profound effect on the Earth's
climate; and
WHEREAS, in 2006 the U.S. National Climatic Data Center confirmed clear
evidence of human influences on climate due to changes in greenhouse gases; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors endorsed the 2005 U.S. Mayors'
Climate Protection Agreement initiated by Seattle Mayor Nickels and signed by 238
mayors in the United States as of June 2006: and
WHEREAS, the Urban Environmental Accords adopted by local government
delegates during UN World Environment Day 2005 call for reduced emissions through
energy efficiency, land use and transportation planning, waste reduction, and wiser
energy management; and
WHEREAS, in 2003 the American Geophysical Union adopted a Statement
noting that human activities are increasingly altering the Earth's climate and that natural
influences cannot explain the rapid increase in near-surface temperatures observed during
the second half of the 20th century; and
WHEREAS, in 2001, at the request of the Administration, the National Academy
of Sciences (NAS) reviewed and declared global warming a real problem caused in part
by the actions of humankind; and
WHEREAS, the 2001 Third Assessment Report from the International Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) and the 2000 U.S. Global Change Research Program's
(USGCRP) First National Assessment indicate that global warming has begun; and
WHEREAS, 162 countries including the United States pledged under the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to reduce their greenhouse .gas
emissions; and
WHEREAS, energy consumption, specifically the burning of fossil fuels,
accounts for more than 80% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, local government actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and increase energy efficiency provide multiple local benefits by decreasing air pollution,
creating jobs, reducing energy expenditures, and saving money for the local government,
its businesses, and its residents; and
~~
WHEREAS, the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign sponsored by ICLEI -
Local Governments for Sustainability has invited the Town of Los-Gatos to join ICLEI
and become a partner in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Los Gatos,
California will join ICLEI as a Full Member and participate in the Cities for Climate
Protection Campaign and, as a participant, pledges to take a leadership role in promoting
public awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Los Gatos will undertake the
Cities for Climate Protection Campaign's five milestones to reduce both greenhouse gas
and air pollution emissions throughout the community, and specifically:
Conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and forecast to determine the source and
quantity of greenhouse gas emissions in the jurisdiction;
Establish a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target;
Develop an action plan with both existing and future actions which when implemented
will meet the local greenhouse .gas reduction target;
Implement the action plan; and
Monitor and report progress; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Town of Los Gatos requests assistance
from ICLEI's Cities for Climate Protection Campaign as it progresses through the
milestones.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council held on
February 19, 2008, by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES: Steve Glickman, Diane McNutt, Joe Pirzynski, Mike Wasserman, and Mayor
Barbara Spector
NAYS: None
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
vI~C~, P.~~-tY
MAYOR OF HE TO N OF LOS GATOS
LOS GA S, CALIFORNIA
ATTEST:
,.~ `...eK.a.~~..
C ER OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
L S ATOS, CALIFORNIA