Kootenai Climate Group seeks members

To the editor:

Local residents concerned about climate change formed the Kootenai Climate Group last spring.

Our mission is increasing awareness and promoting policies that empower people to take constructive action to reverse human-caused climate change.

This is the first in a series of letters about climate change, what it means to Montana, and what we can do to avert the worst possible outcomes.

We want to move public discourse beyond partisan politics and start working toward solutions that protect human health, the natural environment and improve our lives.

We intend to: Learn about climate change and climate solutions; share this knowledge with our community; communicate with integrity and respect; urge our political leaders to provide leadership in addressing climate change; make the climate issue more visible and tangible to our community; and collaborate to find solutions.

We are particularly interested in what we can do at the local and state level to hasten the transition to renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, support transportation systems less reliant on fossil fuels, adjust forest and agricultural practices to increase carbon storage, and reduce unnecessary waste.

We are currently working on the following initiatives: Providing climate information at community events; writing newspaper columns and editorials; showing films and hosting panel discussions; expanding library resource materials; encouraging people to talk with friends and neighbors; supporting state and federal legislation that addresses climate change; uging our leaders to take action; and working with local government and businesses to reduce fossil fuel use, reduce waste and improve recycling.

We meet at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at First Montana Bank in Libby.

Newcomers are welcome to join us.

Kris Newgard for the Kootenai Climate Group