Forum turns conversation to climate change, options
Climate change is in the air. A prestigious medical journal, the Lancet, recently had a whole section dedicated to health and climate change. It advocated bold leadership advocating to governments that climate change is fundamentally a public health issue. They cited rising temperatures influencing the transmission of infectious diseases, having lead to a doubling of cases of dengue fever every decade since 1990.
Despite President Trump’s and his senior officials’ skepticism about climate change and its cause, his administration last week released the National Climate Assessment Report, saying that “it is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mind 20th century…there is no convincing alternative explanation supported by the extent of the observational evidence.”
Idaho business and community leaders are joining with the state’s universities on a statewide conference “Safeguarding Idaho’s Economy in a Changing Climate” this coming weekend.
Former Republican Congressman Bob Inglis, previously a convinced climate skeptic, just spoke in Moscow explaining how he came to introduce a carbon tax alternative to combat climate change. Talking to a climate scientist he discovered common faith values and realized that the scientist was studying climate change as a way to practice his faith in God and to responsibly protect God’s creation. However, he still wanted to reduce government regulation and let a free market solve the climate problem. Taxing the carbon pollution that fossil fuel companies force upon the public will create an incentive for industry to reduce it.
If you are curious by now how climate change can be addressed across the political and faith spectrum, not only on a national but also local level, consider coming to Sandpoint Community Hall today from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Citizens Climate Lobby and Audubon Washington volunteers are conducting a 12-city “Water, Wind & Fire Tour” around western Washington and northern Idaho, culminating with a presentation and panel discussion in Sandpoint. The theme is “saving our farms, forests, & fish while strengthening the economy.”
The presenters — a climate scientist, former business executive, and Audubon conservation manager — will engage citizens in a discussion about the impacts of a changing climate, and possible solutions towards new energy ideas, and economic policies that might mitigate climate and financial risk. A luncheon, by invitation only, for community and business leaders will precede a public presentation and panel discussion in the evening. Distinguished panel members Bob Boeh from the Idaho Forest Group, the biggest lumber company in the area, and Bonner County Commissioner Glen Bailey, will ensure a balanced discussion on the local level. Unfortunately, Rep. Sage Dixon had to cancel due to scheduling difficulties.
Infomation: letscleartheairsandpoint.eventbrite.com