(by Sue Danver) – Pervasive wildfires, along with heat and drought, contaminate the air we breathe and ndanger both humans and wildlife. Climate change—that is, global warming—is already here in Washington State, and National Audubon scientists have determined that this change is the greatest threat to birds—too fast for birds and other wildlife to adapt to, not to mention us.
To address climate change, Black Hills Audubon, as well as Audubon Washington, have endorsed initiative I-1631. This measure would place an ever-increasing fee on greenhouse-gas emissions from the use of fossil fuels by the largest emitters in the state. These funds would be used to develop renewable energy, like wind and solar, and to protect forests, clean water, and clean air while also protecting communities at risk from change.
Our air would become cleaner not only because of decreasing emissions into the atmosphere but also as the shift away from carbon will reverse the terrible effects of global warming, including wildfires, droughts, severe storms, and the even more disruptive climate that we are now headed toward. Passage of I-1631 would foster development of renewable energy, thus generating many new jobs in the state, while offering help for those losing jobs in fossil-fuel industries and communities affected by the transition. Passage of this initiative would establish our state as a leader in addressing global warming.
Climate change is with us; we need action now. We have before us an opportunity to do our part in addressing a clear and present danger. Please help Washington State be a bellwether for the nation by supporting I-1631 in the November election.