Recognizing April 22, 2017 as Earth Day in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Earth Day, April 22, 2017, is a day to show how much we care about the environment as we work together to find ways to better protect our air, water, land and biological resources; and

WHEREAS, Humankind is currently facing tremendous global challenges affecting every community, including large-scale migration, extreme inequality and poverty, degradation of ecosystems, mass extinction of species, and global climate change; and

WHEREAS, The youth of the world are our most valuable resource and represent a source of endless creativity and potential; and

WHEREAS, It is necessary for the citizens of our global community to develop green jobs and to build an innovative and equitable green economy to combat the aforementioned global challenges; and

WHEREAS, Expanding environmental education and climate literacy is vital to enhance awareness about the environment, inform decision-making, and protect future generations, and

WHEREAS, Now more than ever, it is critical that we continue to act locally and cooperate internationally to defend the environmental progress that has been achieved; and

WHEREAS, Earth Day is an annual reminder of the constant need for environmental activism, stewardship commitments, and sustainability efforts; and

WHEREAS, Energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their home energy bills with similar savings of greenhouse gases without sacrificing style or comfort; and

WHEREAS, By changing the way we use products and resources we can prevent pollution which provides cleaner air and water, less waste in landfills, conservation of natural resources, reduced soil erosion, lower electricity, and increased property bills; and

WHEREAS, For over a quarter century governments have spent billions of dollars supplementing environmental programs that touch the lives of all Americans resulting in improved public services, cleaner industries, and a heightened awareness for all to realize their role to protect the environment; and

WHEREAS, Earth Day has evolved through the combined efforts of state, local, and federal government, grassroots organizations, and citizens to participate in this national day of environmental recognition that has evolved into a worldwide campaign to protect our global environment; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize April 22, 2017 as Earth Day in Philadelphia.

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