Lead us on climate change

I was disheartened to read in the interview with Avista CEO Scott Morris his response to Spokane’s decision to encourage more rapid movement towards 100% clean energy. Our leaders of business, government and civil society need to help people understand the massive transitions that will be required to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report indicates that we need to rapidly move towards a carbon-free society.

Morris’ response that he is responsible to how much his customers pay is accurate, but we must also be responsible for the pollution we are creating that disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized throughout the world. If we can’t reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, how can we expect impoverished countries to?

Communities like Spokane have abundant natural resources for clean energy and technological development to make the necessary changes. The only thing lacking is the leadership from business, government and civil society. Our leaders have the ability to help us recognize the benefits to so many people when we shift away from dirty fossil fuels.

Patrick Van Inwegen

Spokane