What can we do?

You’ve seen the headlines: 

“A code red for humanity”

“IPCC’s verdict on climate crimes of humanity: guilty as hell”

“A Hotter Future Is Certain, Climate Panel Warns. But How Hot Is Up to Us.”

You’ve heard the reactions:

“Sobering.”
“Jaw-dropping.”
“Damning.”

You’ve read the scenarios detailed in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report released today from the United Nations, which includes this:  

“Global surface temperature will continue to increase until at least the mid-century under all emissions scenarios considered. Global warming of 1.5°C and 2°C will be exceeded during the 21st century unless deep reductions in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions occur in the coming decades.”

So, what can we do? In our view, the climate crisis must be met with an all-hands-on-deck approach that includes both collaboration and competition. Collaboration across countries, states, and organizations; and healthy competition for public- and private-sector solutions that build a stronger, more sustainable and equitably prosperous economy.

The United States government has an opportunity to take a meaningful step toward a net-zero economy by including a clean energy standard and clean energy tax credits in the reconciliation infrastructure bill. Make your voice heard in Washington, D.C. Press your senators and representatives to make clean energy non-negotiable.

Here in Washington state, we’re implementing the cap-and-invest Climate Commitment Act — setting a standard for other states to follow. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 8, 2 p.m. PT. We’ll host a webinar where the Department of Ecology and the Governor’s office will share how they’ll create the rules that will govern the cap on climate pollution and direct billions of dollars of investments into our clean energy economy. Details and a registration link coming soon.