Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
WHEREAS, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, representing over <br /> 2,500 climate scientists and twenty years of research, has concluded that global warming <br /> caused by human emission of greenhouse gases is among the most significant problems facing <br /> the world today; and <br /> WHEREAS, projected impacts of global warming will likely include changing patterns of habitats <br /> for disease-carrying insects; changes in rain and snowfall patterns, affecting water supplies, <br /> agriculture, and the frequency of flooding; changes in natural habitats that will eliminate some <br /> species and introduce new ones; and <br /> WHEREAS, state, regional and local governments throughout the United States are adopting <br /> emission reduction targets and programs and that this leadership is bipartisan and coming from <br /> governors, county officials, and mayors alike; and <br /> WHEREAS, many counties throughout the nation, large and small, are reducing the production <br /> of global warming pollutants through programs that provide economic and quality of life benefits, <br /> such as reduced energy bills, green space preservation, air quality improvements, reduced <br /> traffic congestion, improved transportation choices, and economic development and job creation <br /> through energy conservation/new energy technologies; and <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County is undertaking policies, programs and activities to save energy and <br /> reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and <br /> WHEREAS, these policies, programs and activities save energy and money, conserve natural <br /> resources, and promote sustainable land use and transportation planning in the community; and <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County government will serve as a model for the community by taking <br /> appropriate actions, including those listed in the attachment to this resolution; and <br /> WHEREAS, cities and counties statewide are leading by example by adopting innovative <br /> sustainability programs and policies, including working with community residents, business <br /> groups and others; and <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County will recommend actions that Orange County residents and <br /> businesses can take, including the ten actions listed in the attachment to this resolution; and <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County wishes to expand these activities, share its experiences with other <br /> communities, and be recognized for its accomplishments; <br /> NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners does <br /> hereby recognize the critical nature of global warming and climate change, and cognizant of the <br /> actions being taken by local, state, and federal governments and other organizations around the <br /> globe, pledges to take steps for climate stabilization, and strongly encourages Orange County <br /> residents and businesses to reduce their carbon footprints. <br />