Res. No. 1923 Title Resolution calling upon the City of New York to join localities all over the world in the "Cities for Climate Protection" campaign. Body By Council Members Michels, Henry, Lopez, Moskowitz, Perkins, Sabini and Watkins; also Council Members DiBrienza, Eisland, Espada, Leffler, Marshall, Pinkett, Wooten, Quinn and Linares Whereas, A scientific consensus has developed that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere have a profound effect on the Earth's climate; and Whereas, Scientific evidence, including the Third Assessment Report from the International Panel on Climate Change and the United States Global Change Research Program's First National Assessment, titled "Climate Change Impacts on the United States: The Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change," indicates that global warming is a fact, as the 1990's were the hottest decade in recorded history; and Whereas, The United States previously has pledged, along with 160 countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions; and Whereas, Energy consumption, specifically the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas to generate electricity, accounts for more than 80% of United States greenhouse gas emissions; and Whereas, Local governments greatly influence their communities' energy usage by exercising key powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste management and, in many cases, energy supply and management; and Whereas, Actions taken by the City of New York to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency prove beneficial by decreasing air pollution, creating jobs, reducing energy expenditures and saving money for City government, businesses and citizens; and Whereas, The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, of which the City of New York is a member, has invited the City to become a partner in its "Cities for Climate Protection" campaign; and Whereas, As a participant in this voluntary and free campaign, the City of New York would take a leadership role in increasing energy efficiency, improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and would plan for, monitor and quantify the benefits of actions already taken as well as future actions in those critical areas; now, therefore, be it Resolved, The Council of the City of New York calls upon the City of New York to join localities all over the world in the "Cities for Climate Protection" campaign.