Two big updates on U.S. climate policy so far in November that frame the climate crisis in a new way the compounds the urgency for action.
First, 13 federal agency released an extensive scientific report that concludes that climate change is happening and is a direct result of human activity. This report directly contradicts statements and opinions held by the executive branch to unequivocally show that climate change requires action to mitigate the effects of human activity.
Second, the U.S. is now the only country not committed to the Paris climate agreement and subsequently not party to negotiations about next steps to stop climate change. The last two countries to sign onto the paris Agreement were Nicaragua (which originally decided to not sign based on the perception that the agreement did not do enough) and Syria (which signed this November amidst the sixth consecutive year of brutal civil conflict).
So where do we go from here?
Part of the answer is coming to agreement on a framework through which the state of Idaho begins working on the issue. We have to plan mitigation efforts to stave off the deeply negative impacts it will inflict on our economy and environment. There are immediate impacts we can no longer ignore like increased temperature, longer and more intense fire seasons, air quality concerns, changing precipitation patterns, and so on.
We also need to begin serious work on crafting solutions that put impacted communities and our climate first. Impacted communities includes folks who have been most impacted by fossil fuel extraction and production, will be winners/losers resulting from the transformations we need to make to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and communities that have been historically underrepresented in power structures and decision making processes.
So how do we begin in Idaho?
One consulting group is starting the work with big statewide summit on climate change. “Safeguarding Idaho’s Economy in a Changing Climate is a two-day summit about Idaho’s changing climate designed to explore market-based solutions for safeguarding Idaho’s economy, health, landscape and lifestyle.”
The Sierra Club is a sponsor for the event and is excited to see a conversation blossoming that includes a diverse array of stakeholders looking at the issue of climate change and how it will impact Idaho. Learn more about the summit and register to join us: Safeguarding Idaho's Economy in Changing Climate
The fight for a safer climate for all begins with you.