Climate Issue
Dear Editor: Knock, Knock. Who’s there? Three of the Sitka Assembly when it comes to concern about the health of our city, state, and world Climate Emergency. It really isn’t funny. I was surprised, figuring there would be one or two who don’t understand, are afraid, in denial, or some such thing, but four of them! One of my favorite tropes is: A person “or planet” was sick, and there were 100 doctors and 99 (all peer reviewed) said, “You are gravely ill and need immediate help.” One would say,” Well I duuno, all the info isn’t in, I think you can wait a while before you do anything about it.” I would listen to the 99 and get some help, pronto. My question is: What part of the problem keeps them from wanting to do anything preventative? Curious for sure.
Jeff Budd, Sitka
Climate/Business
Dear Editor: I’ve just returned from a business conference, Juneau’s “Innovation Summit,” that just might have restored my hope for the future. One of this year’s Summit topics – and given the interest, I’d say, the MAIN topic – was “Business in a Changing Climate.”
As a long-time climate change action volunteer, I found it amazing and incredibly gratifying to see and hear from so many Alaska businesses talking openly and candidly about climate change, its many (mostly) negative effects on their businesses, and their efforts to both adapt to climate change and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. I did not see or hear a single person or business back down from, shy away from, or deny climate change, it’s potential to affect people and business, or its tie to burning of fossil fuels. Indeed, I kept wishing Senators Murkowski and Sullivan and Congressman Young were there to see how concerned Alaska’s business people are about climate change!
Sadly, few if any of the 60 or so business people I spoke to knew there was an economics-based solution in Congress now that could build up our economy, spark innovation, improve health and save lives and reduce CO2 emissions by 40% in the first 12 years. But they, and you, know now! It is the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, H.R. 763, and it is like an America-wide PFD. I handed out cards and flyers about the bill to about 60 participants and presented a brief talk: “Is Climate Action the Next Gold Rush?”
Sometimes we think climate change is a partisan issue. This conference reminded me it is not a partisan or even a bi-partisan issue; it’s an “All hands on deck!” issue.
Our Congressional delegation needs to get behind the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act to protect Alaska’s businesses and economy. If you own or manage a business, not-for-profit, or other entity and you are concerned about climate change, I encourage you to learn more about the bill and endorse it at www.energyinnovationact.org and write to or call our Congressional delegation to let them know we need action and we need it now.
Michelle Putz, Sitka
