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<br /> million (ppm) and will likely stay above this level for the indefinite future for the first time in
<br /> millions of years; and
<br /> Whereas, sixteen of the seventeen hottest years on record have occurred in the
<br /> twenty-first century and 2016 is the hottest year on record; and
<br /> Whereas, an increase in the global average temperature is having and will continue to
<br /> increasingly have major adverse impacts, if not stopped by eliminating the use of fossil fuels,
<br /> on both the natural and human-made environments due to longer, more intense heat waves,
<br /> prolonged droughts, spread of infectious diseases, rising sea levels, ocean acidification,
<br /> wildfires, and more intense and frequent extreme weather events; and
<br /> Whereas, these physical effects are expected to lead to water scarcity, food insecurity,
<br /> increasing numbers of refugees, increased poverty, and the mass extinction of species; and
<br /> Whereas, studies completed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Risky
<br /> Business Project, Duke University, and others point to the severe economic costs of climate
<br /> change and continuing use of fossil fuel, estimating billions of dollars a year in costs nationally
<br /> and trillions globally; and
<br /> Whereas, leading economists, policy experts, and business leaders conclude that
<br /> transitioning to a clean energy economy available for all would create millions of green jobs
<br /> nationally, improve health and living standards, and boost economic growth in coming years;
<br /> and
<br /> Whereas, low-income communities and communities of color in North Carolina and the
<br /> United States are inordinately exposed to pollution, that causes serious health problems such
<br /> as cancer and asthma, from fossil fuels, including the dirtiest coal-fired power plants which
<br /> produce coal ash, and need to be empowered and have access to educational tools and an
<br /> awareness of climate issues; and
<br /> Whereas, a Stanford University and University of California-Berkeley study concludes
<br /> the United States energy supply could be based entirely on renewable energy by the year
<br /> 2050 using current technologies and 80% renewable energy by 2030 while creating numerous
<br /> green jobs; and
<br /> Whereas, municipalities, organizations, businesses, and academic institutions
<br /> throughout the world have set a goal to achieve carbon or climate neutrality by 2050 or earlier;
<br /> and
<br /> Whereas, over 1,000 mayors have joined the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate
<br /> Protection Agreement since 2005 to commit to significantly reduce carbon emissions in their
<br /> cities to combat climate change; and
<br /> Whereas, over 600 American colleges and universities have made a commitment to
<br /> reduce greenhouse gases, including Appalachian State University, Blue Ridge Community
<br /> College, Carteret Community College, Catawba College, Central Carolina Community College,
<br /> Davidson College, Duke University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State
<br /> University, Guilford College, North Carolina Central University, Queens University of Charlotte,
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