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WHEREAS, the Town/Village/City/County of ______________ (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; and WHEREAS, 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; reduce drinking water supplies and recreational opportunities; and pose health threats to our citizens; and WHEREAS, 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; and WHEREAS, we believe the scale of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions required for climate stabilization will require sustained and substantial efforts; and WHEREAS, 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, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that Town/Village/City/County of ______________ , 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.