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17 <br />Appendix 2: Climate Change background <br />Climate Change Background <br />Naturally occurring gases dispersed in the atmosphere determine the Earth’s climate by trapping solar radiation. This <br />phenomenon is the greenhouse effect. Overwhelming scientific evidence shows that human activities are increasing the <br />concentration of greenhouse gases and changing the global climate. The most significant contributor is the burning of fossil <br />fuels for transportation, electricity generation and other purposes, which introduces large amounts of carbon dioxide and <br />other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Collectively, these gases intensify the natural greenhouse effect, causing global <br />average surface and lower atmospheric temperatures to rise. <br />Climate scientists expect changing temperatures to result in more frequent and damaging storms accompanied by flooding <br />and landslides, summer water shortages due to reduced snow pack, and the disruption of ecosystems, habitats, and <br />agricultural activities. Sea level rise will particularly hurt Bay communities such as San Leandro, with sewage, water, and transit <br />infrastructure along the coast. <br />Reducing fossil fuel use in the community can have co-benefits in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Increasing <br />energy efficiency decreases utility and transportation costs for residents and businesses. Retrofitting homes and businesses to <br />be more efficient creates local jobs. In addition, money not spent on energy is more likely to be spent at local businesses and <br />add to the local economy. Reducing fossil fuel use further improves air quality, helping to decrease rates of asthma, heart <br />attacks, and other health complications. At the same time, increasing opportunities for walking and bicycling improves <br />residents’ health by increasing activity, mobility, and resource accessibility. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />43