HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 20-22 Climate EmergencyRESOLUTION NO. 20-22
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF MORRO BAY, CALIFORNIA
DECLARING A CLIMATE EMERGENCY AND THE NEED FOR
ACCELERATED ACTION TO ADDRESS THE CLIMATE CRISIS
THE CITY COUNCIL
City of Morro Bay, California
WHEREAS, climate change is an urgent unfolding crisis that presents a serious
threat to human existence; and
WHEREAS, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
issued a special report on the impact of global warming and the need to reduce global
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately forty-five percent by 2030, achieve
`net -zero' emissions by 2050, and achieve and maintain net -negative emissions after that
to hold atmospheric warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the most catastrophic
impacts of climate change; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the commitments necessary to address the scale and
scope of the climate crisis, Governor Jerry Brown issued Executive Order B-55-18
ordering the State of California to achieve net zero emissions as soon as possible and no
later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net -negative emissions thereafter; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, the United States' Fourth National Climate Assessment made
it clear that climate change will wreak havoc across the United States of America, and that
the current pace and scale of climate action is not sufficient to avoid substantial damage
to the economy, the environment, and to human health over the coming decades; and
WHEREAS, the City of Morro Bay and the rest of California already suffers from
the impacts of climate change in the form of drought, air pollution, extreme heat, species
stress, negative health effects, wildfires, and floods and these disasters will become more
severe as global GHG emissions continue to poison the atmosphere; and
WHEREAS, climate change will increasingly make basic human necessities more
expensive and difficult to obtain, and
WHEREAS, throughout the United States of America, frontline communities have
historically borne the brunt of longstanding environmental injustice, including fossil -fuel
created degradation, and it is acknowledged that these communities must actively
participate in the planning, decision making and implementation of climate action and
must benefit equally from a just transition to a sustainable and equitable economy, and
WHEREAS, to stay within 1.5 degrees Celsius, cities and nations throughout the
world will need to significantly reduce their per capita emissions by 2030 or earlier; and
WHEREAS, restoring a safe and stable climate will require mobilization at all levels
of government and society on a scale scope and speed not seen since World War II; and
WHEREAS, efforts to control climate change will have many benefits, such as
cleaner air and water improved health, local employment, cost savings for households,
businesses, and the City and the creation of a stronger and more resilient community;
and
WHEREAS, the City of Morro Bay in 2014 adopted a Climate Action Plan that
sought to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs reduce air pollution
support local economic development and improve public health and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the City of Morro Bay took a decisive leadership role in 2021 with the
adoption of Plan Morro Bay, implementation of which will address climate resiliency for
both the built and natural environment; and
WHEREAS, the City of Morro Bay has already taken steps to lower GHG
emissions by joining Central Coast Community Energy an agency established by local
communities to source clean and renewable electricity for Monterey, San Benito, Santa
Cruz, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Morro
Bay, California, as follows.
1. The City of Morro Bay declares that a climate emergency threatens our
city, region state, nation, and the planet; and
2. The City of Morro Bay commits to seeking a just transition and climate
emergencymobilization effort to address climate change, with appropriate
financial and regulatory assistance from the County, State and Federal
authorities These efforts would reduce citywide greenhouse gas emissions
as quickly as feasible, and support safely drawing down carbon from the
atmosphere, while accelerating adaptation and resilience strategies in
preparation for intensifying climate impacts, and
3. The City of Morro Bay intends to swiftly transition to an ecologically,
socially, and economically sustainable economy and to reduce community -
wide carbon emissions as much as possible, through updating of the City's
Climate Action Plan and through implementation of Plan Morro Bay; and
4. The City of Morro Bay supports the need for robust community
participation, inclusion, and support, and recognizes that the residents of
Morro Bay, along with local community organizations, will be integral to
addressing climate resiliency at the local level and
5. The City of Morro Bay calls on the State of California, the United States
federal government, as well as all other peoples of the world, to join with
the City of Morro Bay in prioritizing climate mobilization efforts that will
serve to address this serious global challenge.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Morro Bay at a regular
meeting thereof held on the 22nd day of February 2022 on the following vote:
AYES Headding, Addis, Barton, Ford
NOES' Heller
ABSENT: None
John Heddi -; Mayor
A TEST:
atms wk.
ana Swanson, City Clerk