Global warming is threatening our way of life in Alaska. Salmon streams are warming, forests are suffering increased infestation and fire, infrastructure is threatened by destabilized soils, and oil and gas seasons are shortening in the Arctic.
Alaskans get it. In a statewide poll conducted last summer, strong majorities of Alaskans agreed that climate change is urgent, its impact will be negative for Alaska, and the problem requires legislation and international cooperation.
So where's the action?
Well, citizens are doing our part: We're carpooling more, changing our light bulbs, and weatherizing our homes.
And Alaska's U.S. senators are rolling up their sleeves: Sens. Stevens and Murkowski have sponsored bills to improve fuel- efficiency in motor vehicles and authorize grant funding and tax credits for geothermal and ocean energy development.
And state leaders? Well, they're still getting up to speed.
Since Alaska is experiencing climate change ahead of the rest of the country, we should be tackling the challenge ahead of the rest of the country. But to get there, state leaders need to hear from you.
The good news? They are coming to you, and they want to hear your perspective.
Last year, the Legislature established the Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission. It has been tasked with holding public hearings across the state. That's a good start, but we are also encouraging the commission to take the next step beyond assessment and make recommendations to state leaders on actions we can take here in Alaska to address the issue.
The commission won't take that next step if the public doesn't demand it. They need to know that Alaskans care about this issue and want the commission to do something about it.
That's where you come in. The commission will be holding hearings in Anchorage on April 12 and 13. This is your chance to send a powerful message to our governor and state legislators. You'll be using the process that they themselves created, so you can be sure that commission findings will be considered in Juneau.
A range of solutions is available, but the primary message is simple: Alaska is feeling the heat, and we should be in the lead as a state in identifying solutions. And there's a silver lining -- Alaska is well-positioned to diversify its economy and create high-tech jobs here at home by investing in scientific research and renewable energy development.
Sen. Murkowski said it best in her recent address to the state Legislature. She suggested we make climate change "a state priority" to show we are serious about being on the forefront of alternative energy technology -- for the good of our climate and our economy.
Specific suggestions for the commission include appointment of a cabinet-level state climate "czar"; support for a renewable energy fund to help get projects in the ground across Alaska; support for enhanced scientific research at our universities; and a study of Alaska's greenhouse gas emissions.
Alaskans are a creative bunch when faced with a challenge, and I'm sure we can envision many more solutions as well.
If you'd like to see Alaska drive this bus instead of being run over by it, please comment to the climate change commission at the hearings, tentatively set for 6-8 p.m. on April 12 and 1-3 p.m. on April 13. They'll be in downtown Anchorage at 716 W. Fourth Avenue. Call 907-269-0111 to confirm the times.
Randy Virgin is executive director of the Alaska Center for the Environment in Anchorage.
