Climate Action Update
Dear Editor: On May 25, the Climate Action Task Force presented its first quarter findings to the Assembly and plans to offer science-based solutions for our homes, businesses, and community on a quarterly basis.
We evaluated Sitka’s 2010 Climate Action Plan, a two-year effort by the 2008 Task Force, which had a 2020 target of decreasing fossil fuel emissions from municipal buildings and city fleet by 25%. By electrifying heating in several schools and municipal buildings, city staff decreased emissions by 64% with substantial savings. But this success was not a direct result of the 2010 Climate Action Plan. Neither the Assembly nor the administrator over the 10 year period directed implementation of the plan, leaving many initiatives unexplored. For that reason, the current task force hopes to align with the Assembly and city staff on goals. In 2010, emissions from municipal buildings and vehicles accounted for only 4% of estimated community emissions, and communitywide action is now necessary to achieve the federal administration’s goal to decrease our country’s emissions by 50% by 2030. The task force can help the city tap into funds that will be available to meet these federal goals.
The task force studied climate action initiatives in other Alaskan cities to share with the Sitka Assembly. Juneau has had a sustainability commission since 2007, which saved money for diverse stakeholders in the community through energy efficiency and grant funding that helped the city achieve goals like getting an electric bus. In Anchorage, hiring a city sustainability coordinator facilitated broad community input over a year to a climate action plan, aligned all departments to implement the plan, and obtained grant funds for an electric garbage truck. Cities with a sustainability manager are eligible to participate in a national network of sustainability directors with access to specialized grant funding, toolkits, and advice. Technical help on an updated greenhouse gas inventory and plan is available from joining local governments for sustainability (ICLEI) for a $600 annual fee.
Through city Administrator Leach, we received many staff ideas about climate solutions and their co-benefits. We will collaborate with staff to co-craft policy for the Assembly to endorse, increasing the likelihood solutions will be implemented. Beyond municipal policy, the Assembly can contribute to Alaska state climate action by supporting legislation to establish green banks. At the federal level, the Assembly has previously declared a climate emergency, established Climate Action Task Forces, and endorsed the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (now HR 2703). The Assembly might consider compiling these past efforts for our governor, congressional delegation, and federal administration to encourage state and federal support for local communities that are already investing in climate action.
In the next quarter, the task force will meet with the Assembly in a work session on Aug. 10. We have established working groups on 1.) climate solutions for Sitka businesses; 2.) federal policies and grant opportunities; and 3.) city/state liaisons, including supporting the electric department on Sitka’s transition from fossil fuels to meet emissions reduction targets to be set by the Assembly. We welcome your feedback and participation.
Elizabeth Bagley, Chair
Kent Barkhau,
Elizabeth Borneman,
Molly Grear, Kathleen Kreiss,
Darby Osborne, Caitlin Way,
Catherine Riley, Vice-Chair,
Caitlin Woolsey
Sitka Pride
Dear Editor: My name is Lakota Harden and I have lived in Sitka for many years, first as a child on Japonski Island (since before the bridge was built) and graduating from Sitka High in 1975. I have spent time away but always return. I love this Island, Sheet Ka’, the ocean that surrounds her, and so many people who call Tlingit Aani their home.
My late mother, Marilyn Joy (Frank-James), who brought and raised us here, reminds me to always “Let Empathy Be your guide.” (Kahlil Gibran).
As an Indigenous woman, I’ve had to become an expert on the dominant culture, all the while viewing from my eyes, the heart belief of our own original teachings. This has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people who work and stand as protectors – of the Earth, Water, the underserved and disenfranchised. It’s been a rich experience and I’m grateful that Sitka has coalitions, and committees that put in the efforts to create change.
I want to acknowledge and thank the people of the Sitka Health Summit, the Hope Coalition, Sitka Counseling, Sitkans Against Family Violence, Youth Advocates of Sitka, Recover Alaska and the many, many volunteers who are working to Create SITKA PRIDE.
For those who don’t know, June is Pride Month, which celebrates gay, lesbian, bisexual, transexual, queer and emerging (+) communities across the globe, and there are several events in our town to educate and celebrate the movement that another generation of young people are leading. It is important for us as providers, as adults to educate ourselves, become aware of the issues, and listen.
Accepting each other as full humans with differing beliefs and lifestyles is what creates safety for everyone. We definitely want to provide this in our town, and hope that everyone will come and participate in the upcoming PRIDE activities to show support, celebrate and learn with us.
The Sitka Health Summit operates from the premise that community health and wellness starts with its citizens. We believe that citizens can best identify their community’s health strengths and challenges, and that empowered citizens working collectively can enact significant and lasting health and wellness impacts.
Thank you, and let’s continue to be kind to each other.
Lakota Harden,
Sitka Counseling, Hope Coalition
Sitka Health Summit
