When the announcement was made that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, it was hard not to be overcome by feelings of despair. Given the compelling scientific evidence about the existence and impacts of human-caused climate change, it seemed tragic that the United States would turn its back on the world and future generations. Polls, such as the Washington Post-ABC poll, show that a majority of Americans opposed pulling out of the Accord by a 2-to-1 margin (59 percent to 28 percent).
Fortunately, there are many reasons for hope, as well as opportunities for meaningful action. At times like these, we, as individuals, as communities, and as states define America; and we have a larger and more impactful role than ever to play as stewards of the earth and guardians of inter-generational equity.
As a resident of Alaska for over 37 years, I witnessed first-hand the dramatic, adverse, and costly impacts of climate change. This is very relevant to the Santa Barbara area (where I now reside), the state, the nation, and the world because what happens in Alaska does not stay in Alaska. Alaska is the gasping canary in the proverbial coal mine.