Youth Lobby Day

On Jan. 24, 2020, youth activists from around Washington will convene in Olympia to pressure state lawmakers to take bold action on climate change.

Scientists from the International Panel on Climate Change tell us we have 11 years to drastically cut our greenhouse gas emissions if we want to avoid irreversible damage to our climate and society. This stark warning redefines the obligations Washington state lawmakers have toward young and future generations.

That is why we are calling for legislation that updates Washington’s greenhouse gas emission targets, and puts us in line with the latest science. That means cutting the state’s greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. To get there, this legislation will lay out a plan for emissions to be cut across all sectors of the economy. In addition to cutting emissions, carbon currently in the air will be absorbed using natural climate solutions. These solutions include investments in forests, shorelines, and estuaries.

The way to avoid run-away climate change is simple. We need to both cut our current emissions and use natural systems to sequester carbon. This legislative session is the time to solidify the emission targets set in 2019. I am calling on youth from Eastern Washington to join us on January 24th, 2020, in Olympia to demand lawmakers protect our right to a livable future.

For more info visit youthlobbyday.org

Tony Horton

Spokane