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CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2009 -120
A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWARD CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SEWARD, SUPPORTING THE ALASKA COASTAL COMMUNITIES
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE COMPACT
WHEREAS, global climate change represents one of the greatest threats of our time;
and,
WHEREAS, ocean acidification is caused by increased carbon dioxide concentrations
from the burning of fossil fuels and is accelerating; and,
WHEREAS, global climate change and ocean acidification threaten communities in
Alaska; and,
WHEREAS, Alaskan coastal communities are important to the nation, and Alaska can
play a role in addressing climate change and ocean acidification; and,
WHEREAS, there are compelling economic arguments to act now; and,
WHEREAS, the United States has an obligation to take a leadership role in addressing
global climate change; and,
WHEREAS, for the well -being of current and future generations, immediate action must
be taken at all levels of government and throughout society to address global climate change and
ocean acidification.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
SECTION 1. The City of Seward supports the Alaska Coastal Communities Global
Climate Change Compact and hereby adds its name as a signatory to the Compact.
SECTION 2. The City of Seward will seek to support initiatives and projects that limit
adverse climactic changes and reduce ocean acidification.
SECTION 3. This resolution takes effect immediately upon its adoption.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2009 -120
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 9`"
day of November, 2009.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Willard E. Dunham, Mayor
AYES: Valdatta, Bardarson, Smith, Keil, Shafer, Ambcrg, Dunham
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
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Johanna Dollerhide, CMC
( - Acting City Clerk
(City Seal)
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Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: November 9, 2009 a of sF
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From: "
City Manager, Phillip Oates
Agenda Item: Alaska Coast Communities Global Climate Change Compact
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
Global climate change represents one of the greatest threats of our time. The Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world's leading scientific body on this subject, has presented
compelling evidence of climate change's dangerous effects and has recommended steps to avoid
them. The IPCC has called on nations to collectively curtail greenhouse gas emissions to ensure that
atmospheric concentrations peak no later than 2015 and decline 80 percent by 2050, compared to
2000. The IPCC has concluded with 90 percent confidence that today's climate changes arc
attributable to human activity, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels.
Ocean acidification is caused by increased carbon dioxide concentrations from the burning of fossil
fuels and is accelerating. The daily uptake of over 22 million tons of carbon dioxide into the ocean is
causing ocean acidification and threatens many forms of marine life by decreasing the ability ofcertain
organisms to build their shells and skeletal structures. Ocean acidification has the potential, within
decades, to severely affect marine organisms, food webs, biodiversity and fisheries.
Global climate change and ocean acidification threaten communities in Alaska. Because high latitude
regions of the earth are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of global climate change, Alaska has
been described as `ground zero' for climate change. Coastal erosion, thawing permafrost, and spruce
bark beetle infestations are evidence of climate change in Alaska. In addition, ocean acidification
threatens the fisheries that provide food, jobs, and cultural identity to many Alaskans, particularly in
coastal communities.
Alaskan coastal communities are important to the nation, and Alaska can play a role in addressing
climate change and ocean acidification. Alaska produces more than halfofthe seafood caught in the
United States. Alaska also has potential to mitigate climate change and ocean acidification, through
development and export of renewable energy technologies that can be used throughout the
developing world. The Alaska SeaLife Center has begun new research programs to better
understand the effects of climate change and ocean acidification and will be a key partner with the
City in promoting better public understanding of these issues and in working with us to develop
solutions and adaptation strategies.
There are compelling economic arguments to act now. Positive economic development and
diversification of Alaska's economy will he associated with addressing climate change in the state.
Furthermore, the economic costs of inaction will be far greater than the costs associated with
immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with IPCC recommendations.
The United States has an obligation to take a leadership role in addressing global climate change.
With only 5 percent of the world's population, the United States produces approximately 25 percent
of the world's annual greenhouse gas emissions.
For the well -being of current and future generations, immediate action must be taken at all levels of
government and throughout society to address global climate change and ocean acidification. Given
the seriousness of these problems, policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions must
constitute a priority when allocating government resources.
INTENT: Approve signing the Alaska Coastal Communities Global Climate Change Compact to
express Council's deep concern about human - induced global climate change and ocean acidification
and issue a call to policymakers to take strong and immediate action to prevent catastrophic impacts
from greenhouse gas emissions.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Where applicable, this resolution is consistent with the Seward
City Code, Charter, Comprehensive Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council Rules of
Procedures.
Other:
FISCAL NOTE: NA
ATTORNEY REVIEW: No
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution 2 009- I2 THE ALASKA COASTAL COMMUNITIES GLOBAL
CLIMATE CHANGE COMPACT