Can we survive the “fourth degree” climate crisis heading our way?
I am not a climate scientist, but I do happen to be enthusiastic about not having to try and sleep in a puddle of my own sweat, and of not getting heatstroke.
Some of the newest climate models are painting a disastrous picture this year with the incoming El Niño pushing temperatures to new heights: 4 degrees Celsius, not just 3.5:
What does this mean for us locally? Well, I’d be lying if I said I really knew. Climate is a complicated beast. What I do know is, according to cutting-edge scientific models, we’re going to be experiencing, on average, higher temperatures every year for pretty much the rest of our lives until we stop putting carbon into the air.
Even if you don’t believe in climate models, take a look at our the current state of the ocean temperatures (pun totally intended), no future prediction required:
Lastly, although climate change is a global issue, we currently lack leadership from our higher levels of office to begin the process of actually moving, not just gesturing toward, a post-carbon world. (Although, at this point, I’d take the empty gestures over the outright denial we have from Trump right now.)
The urgency of this issue is why, if I’m elected, I’ll do everything in my power to empower our existing Climate Action Advisory Board with the ability to make binding decisions for the city, with Council maintaining veto power.
When we elevate our local experts and near-experts to power, we all benefit from their wisdom and work. If we don’t, we’re bottle-necking solutions.
This is one of many reasons I’m running for City Council.
Will you support me?
Or, follow me on social media! It’s free and helps out a ton!
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