Since President Donald Trump made the decision to withdraw from the Paris climate change agreement, we have seen a remarkable expression of conviction and commitment by those who refuse to be compromised in their efforts to combat global warming.
Twelve states, including Washington, have formed the United States Climate Alliance to continue work to achieve lower carbon emissions.
Mayors, businesses, investors and schools continue to support the Accord’s goals.
Here in Clallam County, Olympic Climate Action is working to assist our leadership to update the Climate Action Plan penned in 2009.
We recognize the consequences of abandoning the work to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and thankfully, so do our Clallam County commissioners.
The harm to our economy because of this denial can be devastating.
Yes, it will be expensive to transition to renewable energy, but the eventual cost from increased global warming will exact an even greater and more deadly toll.
It’s never a good idea to erect walls, isolate oneself and refuse to participate with the community at large to solve problems that affect us all.
That doesn’t absolve us of our responsibility to be accountable for our role, our share of being a part of the problem.
Only planning based on clearly defined criteria and employing best practices and technology can determine the most efficient and cost-effective means to achieve those goals.
That is the ambition of Olympic Climate Action, and we ask for the people of Clallam County to support our county commissioners’ leadership as we move forward.
Brian Grad,
Sequim
EDITOR’S NOTE: Brian Grad is a member of the executive committee of Olympic Climate Action.