Fiscal Note
No fiscal impact.
Title
Calling for the federal government to pass a Green New Deal.
Body
WHEREAS, an October 2018 United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report says we have only until 2030, to limit devastating global warming and avoid a climate change catastrophe; and,
WHEREAS, the October 2018 IPCC report also makes clear that every bit of warming matters, so every fraction of a degree less of warming will save lives and pay dividends across the world’s economies; and,
WHEREAS, Madison is already experiencing serious, costly, and increasing impacts from climate change, including more intense storms, and unprecedented flooding; and,
WHEREAS, an inadequate response to climate change will increase economic and environmental disruptions. These include, but are not limited to: severe storms, longer and hotter heat waves, growing invasive species and insect problems, accelerated species extinction rates, rising sea levels, a dramatic increase in refugees from climate impacted lands, extreme flooding, decreased lake quality as seen by increasing algae population, and decreasing snowfall; and,
WHEREAS, the most negative impacts of climate change are generally falling on frontline communities. Frontline communities that are underrepresented, such as lower-income communities or communities of color, are bearing the initial burden of climate change, but are least equipped to adapt to these impacts; and,
WHEREAS, at least 65 U.S. Representatives including Mark Pocan endorsed a resolution to establish a Select Committee for a Green New Deal; and,
WHEREAS, local Green New Deal legislation would create a detailed mobilization plan to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, invest in communities on the frontlines of poverty and pollution, and guarantee a good job to anyone ready to make this happen,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that City of Madison Common Council calls on the U.S. Government to pass a Green New Deal that ...
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