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CITY OF LAKEWOOD CI.Ik1IA,'I I,ACTION IPILAINI <br /> 1 . IntrO- duction <br /> 1.1 "rhe Climate Eirneirgency <br /> Climate change is the greatest long-term global challenge that human society is facing. <br /> Human-induced climate change poses risks to health,economic growth, public safety, <br /> infrastructure, livelihoods,and the world's biodiversity and ecosystems.As local and <br /> global greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions increase,the Earth continues to warm at an <br /> unprecedented rate. <br /> In December 2015,the Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 by 196 countries, including <br /> the United States.The U.S.withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2017 but rejoined in 2021. <br /> This legally binding international treaty on climate change set a goal to limit global warming <br /> to well below a 2°Celsius,and preferably to a 1.5°Celsius increase,above pre-industrial <br /> levels.'However, current global GHG emissions are not on a trajectory to meet these goals. <br /> Despite a temporary decline in global emissions in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, <br /> the world is heading for 3°Celsius or more of warming.'This degree of warming threatens <br /> human health, economic well-being,and the survival of the natural systems that humans and <br /> eight million other plant and animal species—already increasingly at risk—depend upon.' <br /> By developing a Climate Action Plan,the City of Lakewood is preparing for these climate <br /> risks and hazards,while reducing GHG emissions.The plan detailed here is based on <br /> analysis of energy flows within the community and the sources and sinks of GHG emissions. <br /> A baseline inventory of energy and emissions,combined with a projection of energy use <br /> and production,was used to explore areas for improvement and change.The plan outlines <br /> a pathway to dramatically reduce GHG emissions while increasing energy efficiency and <br /> independence <br /> in Lakewood. <br /> 'United Nations Framework Convention on CII mate Ch ange.(2015)The Paris Agree men t.Retrieved from:https://unfccc.int/process- <br /> and-meetings/the-paris-ag reemen t/the-paris-ag reement <br /> 5 New UNEP Synthesis Provides Blueprint to UrgentaIy Solve Planetary Emergencies and Secure Humanity's Future.18 Feb.2021.https:// <br /> unfccc.int/news/new-unep-synthesis-provides-bIuepri nt-to-urg ently-solve-pIan eta ry-emergencies-and-secu re-human ity-s <br /> 6 Ibid. <br /> J <br /> III <br />