During a recent government meeting, members of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative's Community Advisory Work Group presented a compelling letter urging local officials to bolster efforts in combating climate change. The group emphasized the need for increased financial and staffing resources to meet the ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets set for 2030.

Tom, a representative of the advisory group, highlighted that achieving a 7% annual reduction in emissions is essential to meet the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan's goals. He called for a dedicated local funding source and active lobbying for state and federal support, stressing that the current climate staff is already overburdened. \"We stand ready to help you meet this challenge,\" he stated, underscoring the collaborative's commitment to action.

Shannon Seifer, another member of the group, expanded on the letter's context, pointing out that local government decisions often contradict the goals of the Climate Mitigation Plan. She advocated for visionary policy-making and the establishment of a grassroots lobbying coalition to secure necessary funding. Seifer emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, noting that 40% of emissions stem from transportation and calling for a rapid expansion of public transit systems.

Betsy Norton, representing the Black Hills Audubon Society, concluded the presentation by urging the council to act decisively. She quoted the letter's poignant reminder that future generations will judge today's actions on climate change. The letter, signed by 11 of the 13 advisory group members and six local organizations, reflects a unified call for bold action to secure a sustainable future.

The discussions at the meeting underscore a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive strategies and significant investments to combat climate change effectively in Thurston County.