Cool State Forum: Climate Change in Washington - Are We Doing Enough?

Location: REI- Seattle (map)

Please join us in a fun and lively discussion. If we all take steps together, we can confront the challenge of global warming. Find out what role you can play by attending our monthly Cool State Forums—attend one or all seven (other forum topics listed below).Statewide and regional solutions will be discussed, including “cap & trade,” tolling, solutions in schools and businesses, and a new green economy that provides good, green jobs.

The following panelists will give the perspectives of environmentalists, labor unions, governments, and businesses:

• Michael McGinn - Sierra Club & Great City Initiative (Master of Ceremony)
• Hedia Adelsman—Department of Ecology
• Rod Brown - Washington Environmental Council Board, CAT member
• Jim Lopez - Deputy Chief of Staff, King County, CAT member
• Dennis McLerran – Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, CAT member
• Bill Messenger - Washington State Labor Council, CAT member

 There will be time for questions in this 1 ½ hour forum. Please join this lively discussion and first forum to help kick off the 2008 Cool State Campaign!

Climate change is real, it’s here, and it is quickly becoming the greatest environmental challenge of our time. While climate scientists are continually converging on stronger consensus about the realities of climate change and its impacts, some say our responses about what to do as individuals and as a society have not made enough progress. Others point to the economic opportunities of a new, green economy and to our state’s position at the forefront of climate change action.

 Please RSVP to help us plan ahead. Email or call the Sierra Club at 206.378.0114 x308 or Jessica.eagle@sierraclub.org.

Background on the Governor’s Executive Order and the Climate Advisory Team:

In February 2006, Governor Gregoire issued an executive order establishing statewide goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, to 25% below this mark by 2035 and to half of 1990 levels by 2050. Governor Gregoire also set a goal for 2020 of tripling our number of clean energy jobs and of reducing our imported fuel expenditures by 20%. Thinking through how we can achieve these goals was the task of a broad stakeholder process called the Climate Advisory Team. The team just released its first report of action recommendation. Click here to view the report.

The Cool State Forum Calendar:

• February 25th - Climate Change in Washington—Are we doing enough?
• March 24th - Transportation in Puget Sound—What solutions should we look at to reduce global warming pollution?
• April 28th - Cap & Trade—What is it and will it work?
• May 19th - A New Green Economy—Where are the opportunities and benefits?
• June 23rd - Cool Schools & Classrooms—Giving recognition to those taking the lead
• July 28th - Cool Companies—Real actions & discussion on engaging more businesses
• August 25th - Western Climate Initiative—recommendations for a regional plan

All forums begin at 7pm. Put them on your calendar today! Jessica Eagle Associate Regional Representative Sierra Club206.378.0114 x308