By Callie Ridolfi, City Climate Action Committee Chair, LWV of Seattle-King County 

We don’t need to step outside to make a huge impact and protect our water, air, and future. LWV of Seattle-King County members and friends residing in King County can take a few easy actions in their home using a new climate action tool that will be rolled out in celebration of Earth Day 2022. We partnered with nonprofit Community Climate Solutions to provide this action tool for our region. 

Climate change is a serious threat facing our nation and our planet. We support climate goals and policies that are consistent with the best available climate science and that will ensure a stable climate system for future generations. The Seattle-King County League’s City Climate Action Committee is committed to increasing the democratic engagement of King County residents in addressing climate change.  

For climate success, both individual household actions and policy changes are needed. Our cities need to reduce carbon emissions dramatically to meet the targets of 50% reduction by 2030 and 95% by 2050. To meet these goals, the public must be involved and empowered. Through changes big and small we can reduce carbon emissions. Seattle-King County League members and citizens in King County can use the website tool by signing up today.   

This climate action tool has been launched in over 35 cities in 10 states, including Shoreline, Redmond, and Spokane in Washington state. For most cities, residential emissions account for 40-60% of emissions, with smaller communities often having 60-90% of emissions coming from residents. That means mobilizing and engaging residents to take action is a critical component of the climate solutions pathway. If you have input or would like to discuss adding your League group or city to the tool, contact Callie Ridolfi. 

A framework of climate justice and equitable access to resources and public improvements is emerging as key to our success in decreasing carbon emissions. Systemic inequities leave frontline communities with limited opportunities for input and access to fewer resources. With the urgency of the climate crisis, community resilience requires that we promote equity for all, especially the most vulnerable.  

In February, the action committee held a climate justice forum to address the following topics: 

• What is climate justice and how can we implement it in our engagement with cities? 

• What does a fair and transparent process for delivering evidence-based results for all look like? 

• How might we uplift climate actions that promote equity, eliminate barriers, and reduce harm? 

• How might League members interact with local agencies and programs to support pro-equity actions? 

• What actions can we take to support climate equity and build community resilience? 

You can view the recording of the webinar Climate Justice: Down with Carbon Emissions—Up with Community Equity! on YouTube as well as download more resources from the climate justice topic on the City Climate Action Committee website.