CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITY – RED HOOK

Resolution #8-2019 — 2019-02-11

WHEREAS

• the Village of Red Hook (hereinafter "local government") believes that climate change poses a real and increasing threat to our local and global environments and is primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels
• the effects of climate change will endanger our infrastructure, economy and livelihoods; harm our farms, orchards, and ecological communities, including native fish and wildlife populations; spread invasive species and exotic diseases; affect drinking water supplies and recreational opportunities; and pose health threats to our citizens
• we believe that our response to climate change provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to save money, and to build livable, energy-independent and secure communities, vibrant innovation economies, healthy and safe schools, and resilient infrastructures
• we believe the scale of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions required for climate stabilization will require sustained and substantial efforts
• we believe that even if emissions were dramatically reduced today, communities would still be required to adapt to the effects of climate change for decades to come

RESOLVED

• the Village of Red Hook, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate, adopts the New York State Climate Smart Communities pledge, which comprises the following ten elements: 1) Build a climate-smart community. 2) Inventory emissions, set goals, and plan for climate action. 3) Decrease energy use. 4) Shift to clean, renewable energy. 5) Use climate-smart materials management. 6) Implement climate-smart land use. 7) Enhance community resilience to climate change. 8) Support a green innovation economy. 9) Inform and inspire the public. 10) Engage in an evolving process of climate action.