I want to commend the city of Sun Valley for taking a leadership role last month in signing on to the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. In doing so, the city joined more than 400 mayors across the country (only three in Idaho) in acknowledging the severity of climate change and making a commitment to do their part in curbing global warming. This agreement not only recognizes the issue, but also outlines tangible steps that cities and those who live in them can do to reduce carbon emissions. It effectively becomes a new lens through which to view the city's growth and development. This resolution is an important first step toward reducing or zeroing out the city's overall carbon emissions.
I would also like to commend the students at both the Wood River High School and The Community School for their enthusiasm and leadership in drawing attention to this issue from their fellow students, as well as from their parents. They, more than anyone else, understand how the consequences of global warming will affect their lives. They understand that they have the most to lose if we continue along this 120-year-old course.
They also understand that they have the most to gain if we can change the current course. Curbing global warming will require efforts at all levels, local to international. There are many things that individuals can do without sacrificing their quality of life. Among the easiest are recycling as much material as possible, installing at least one compact fluorescent light bulb, and walking or riding a bike when possible. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce the total number of carbon tons that are emitted into the atmosphere, thereby reducing one's carbon footprint.
I'd like to challenge all the leaders in our community, both public and private, to show their leadership at this critical point by signing on to this agreement and crafting detailed plans to address their greenhouse gas emissions. Global warming is everyone's business, and as such everyone shares responsibility in addressing it.
The good news is that we can make a difference in global warming. We can ensure that the world that our children will inherit is just as beautiful and as healthy as when we found it.
If you're interested in finding out more about how you and our whole community can address global warming, please contact the Environmental Resource Center at 726-4333.
Craig Barry
ERC executive director
