Climate Crisis—Thoughts & Resources

Our Challenge

Prosperous, well educated, densely populated―Seattle, King County, and the Salish Sea region are uniquely well situated to take the lead in addressing the climate crisis. 

It is almost 2020; the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change gives the world 12 years to act to avoid the worst effects of climate change.  In those circumstances, it is appropriate for the City of Seattle to revise its goal for carbon neutrality to 2030 (10 years) ― instead of 2050 (30 years). 

Difficult times lie ahead in any case: note that the IPCC gives the world 12 years to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

We are all aware that we are called to care for creation and to love our neighbor, whether that neighbor is nearby, is across the world, or is yet unborn.  That gives us a unique moral opportunity. 

That opportunity is not only in caring for the vulnerable, but also in fellowship with each other.  In sharing our perspectives, our concerns, our talents and gifts, we nurture and support each other in Christ.

Below are some resources for exploration.

Context and Opportunities

Tall buildings out of timber? In the face of climate change, Seattle encourages it

Seattle Times, Sept. 23, 2019

Electric buses are coming, and they’re going to help fix 4 big urban problems

Vox, April 28, 2018

Engagement

What would a Green New Deal for Seattle look like?

Crosscut, Aug. 5, 2019

Council Vote Forms Oversight Board to Guide Seattle in Achieving Its Vision for a Green New Deal

Council Connection blog at Seatttle.gov, Sept. 16, 2019

Crisis News

Six takeaways from the new climate report

Environmental Defense Fund, Oct. 8, 2018
A summary of important lessons from the IPCC “Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 Degrees Celsius.”  This is the report in which Dr. Kristie Ebi, professor of Global Health at the UW, participated and who addressed our 9 o’clock forum.

Melting permafrost in the Arctic is unlocking diseases and warping the landscape

Vox, Sept. 26, 2019