Recently I’ve come across several resources that have helped refine my thinking on parenting and climate change. However, I should start by mentioning a hearing that just occurred in Portland that I attended (see pictures below). The case is Juliana v. The United States. The plaintiffs are a bunch of teenagers (now young adults), many from Eugene, who alleged that the U.S. government, by permitting and authorizing the emission of greenhouse gasses that it knows to be the cause of climate change, is violating our constitutional rights to life, liberty and property. This appellate hearing was pretty heated with tough questions from the judges for both sides, and we won’t know their decision for a few weeks. However, in the meantime, you can sign your kids onto the Amicus brief supporting the case, which will likely end up before the supreme court. The goal is to have 100,000 kids signed up. Let’s help them get there (we just signed on for both our kids)!
Transportation Resources
I recently discovered three resources on travel and emissions that are worth sharing. The first is a Sierra Club guide on electric vehicles. The guide breaks down pertinent details of several of the top brands and gives some environmental and political context for EVs.
The second is a very thoughtful New York Times article on the effects that plane flights have on climate and how people should weigh those deleterious effects against a desire to see the world’s natural beauty before some of its landmarks like glaciers disappear.
Third, there is this related New York Times article on how to travel green.
Making Sense of 2020
One source of frustration for me is understanding exactly where all the democratic candidates stand on climate change and the Green New Deal. I mean, sure, everyone claims to want to take bold environmental action, but who will really make climate change the priority on day one? These resources don’t answer that ultimate question satisfactorily (other than knowing that global warming is Inslee’s top priority), but gets us all closer.
Comparing Presidential Candidates on Climate and Cleantech – The Energy Gang podcast
We Asked the 2020 Democrats Where They Stand on Climate Change (Yes, All of Them) – The NY Times
Which 2020 Democrats Are Strongest on Climate? Here’s the List. – 350 Action
2020 Climate Race – Climate Advisers
What Biden’s Climate Plan Shows About the Democratic Field – NY Times
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