While countries around the world are still looking at how to move forward after President Donald Trump has announced the United States will remove itself from the Paris Climate Agreement, local officials are continuing to support efforts to mitigate climate change.

Orange County Commissioner Penny Rich has submitted a resolution in an email to other commissioners for consideration at Tuesday night’s board meeting for the county to “adopt, honor and uphold the Paris Climate Agreement.”

The resolution cites agreement among scientists around the globe as the focus for moving forward with the mitigating steps. Coastal states like North Carolina are also “disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of climate change,” according to the resolution.

All of the mayors in Orange County – Carrboro’s Lydia Lavelle, Chapel Hill’s Pam Hemminger and Hillsborough’s Tom Stevens – have publicly stated their support for continuing efforts associated with the climate agreement.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper also signed onto a letter with more than 1,000 signatories on Tuesday expressing his continued support to fight climate change.

“Pulling out of the Paris Accord is wrong for our country, our children, and the generations to come,” Cooper said in a release. “North Carolina’s commitment to clean air and a healthy environment will remain a priority despite the lack of forward thinking leadership from the current Administration.”

The climate agreement calls on the United States reducing greenhouse gas emissions between 26 and 28 percent by 2025 from 2005 levels.

Photo via Orange County

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Climate Council Searches for New Local Action
The topic of addressing climate change echoed across the world this past weekend. Many countries and cities saw residents participate in a global climate strike. The United Nations held a climate action summit in New York, drawing the most attention when 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg addressed the gathered diplomats. On Tuesday in Orange […]
Thanksgiving Holiday to Affect Local Government Services in Orange County (2025)
Thanksgiving will fall on Thursday, November 27 this year, and the holiday will affect several local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s a rundown of what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 are both town holidays. Residential trash collection will not be affected. However, there […]
Labor Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County Community (2025)
Monday marks the observance of Labor Day, which is meant to celebrate the contribution of workers and employees across the United States. With that, the local governments in Orange County will be giving many of their employees the day off, which will affect certain local government services. Ahead of the holiday on Monday, September 1, […]
Orange County Arts Community Set for Uproar Festival Despite Recent Flood Damage
Orange County's Uproar Festival of Public Art returns on Aug. 1 – and it comes as the arts community recovers from catastrophic flooding.
'We Need Help': Orange County Flood Victims Beginning to Pick Up the Pieces
Orange County residents whose homes were flooded during Sunday's storm shared their emotions and what help they need in the aftermath.
Celebration of July 4 to Alter Local Government Services in Orange County
The celebration of Independence Day on Friday, July 4 will affect several local government services in and around Orange County. Here’s a look at what will and won’t be happening that week: Town of Chapel Hill All Chapel Hill administrative offices will be closed Friday. Residential trash pickup will not be affected. Commercial trash will […]
Memorial Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County (2025)
The observation of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26 will affect multiple local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s a complete list of which services in which towns will be moved due to the holiday: Town of Chapel Hill Memorial Day is an official town holiday. Most town and other administrative offices will […]
Uproar Festival of Public Art to Return to Orange County in August
The Uproar Festival of Public Art returns this August to showcase large-scale, bold works of art outdoors in Orange County.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to Affect Local Government Services (2025)
The observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 20 will affect local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s what residents can expect this year: Town of Chapel Hill Town offices will be closed on Monday. Residential trash normally collected on Monday will be collected on Wednesday, January 22. Curbside recycling […]
Christmas Holiday to Affect Local Government Services in Orange County (2024)
The Christmas holiday will affect several local government services. Here’s a rundown of what Orange County residents can expect.
›