Res 0415-2018

By Council Member Cornegy Whereas, The trend of warming in Earth's climate system over the last several decades is unprecedented - the atmosphere and ocean have warmed, sea levels have risen, and snow and ice levels have decreased; and Whereas, The increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere is a main cause of climate change; and Whereas, The principal human activity contributing to climate change is the emission of greenhouse gases through the burning of fossil fuels for power; and Whereas, Climate change is impacting New York City's public health, critical infrastructure, communities, vulnerable populations, natural systems, buildings and economy, and these impacts will worsen in the future; and Whereas, According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the future rate and magnitude of climate change will depend on the rate at which greenhouse gas concentrations in Earth's atmosphere continue to increase; and Whereas, In order to mitigate the impacts of climate change, local, national and global societies must change their economic and social behaviors, and in order to change behaviors societies must be informed about the connection between human activities and climate change, possible consequences and potential solutions; and Whereas, New York City has set a policy to reduce its own contribution to climate change; and Whereas, In 2014, the Council passed, and Mayor Bill de Blasio signed, Local Law 66, requiring the City to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 80%, relative to 2005 levels, by 2050; and Whereas, When it opens, The Climate Museum (The Museum) will be the first of its kind in the United States; and Whereas, The Museum will be a significant cultural and educational institution, located in the City, dedicated to climate issues and solutions; and Whereas, The Museum's mission is "[t]o employ the sciences, art, and design to inspire dialogue and innovation that address the challenges of climate change, moving solutions to the center of our shared public life and catalyzing broad community engagement"; and Whereas, In 2015, the New York State Board of Regents approved a charter for The Museum, in 2016 The Museum received 501(c)(3) non-profit status and in 2017 The Museum's first exhibitions and programs were launched; and Whereas, Until a permanent location is found, the Museum's exhibitions and programs will serve as a multidisciplinary hub, directed by scientists, artists and social justice advocates; have a solutions focus, drawing attention not just to the challenges posed by climate change but also to opportunities and pathways forward; and encourage visitors to take action and participate in their own communities' response to climate change; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York supports the launch and mission of The Climate Museum. WM/PM LS# 9895/Res. No. 1409-2017 LS# 6844 6/8/2018 11:46AM Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations 2