These days, two things keep me up at night, John: Climate change and the global rise of authoritarianism.

When I head into work each day, I think about what the state Senate can do to mitigate these problems. On my way home each evening, I think about whether we made any progress. Many days, I do feel confident that we're making some progress. But most of the time, I also know that we're not tackling either problem fast enough.

This is the first of two emails I'll be sending to address some frequently asked questions on each issue, clear up misconceptions, and share my thinking on how Washington can do better.

First up, climate change:

What are the consequences of not acting on climate change?

We are already seeing the consequences in the rash of extreme weather – droughts, flooding, superstorms, wildfires, sea level rise – we've faced in recent years. Future consequences will be similar to what we see today, only more frequent and severe.

What do people overlook when they discuss climate change?

Even with all of the consequences we're facing right now, too many folks still treat climate change as tomorrow's problem; the people who block meaningful climate action because of how much it will cost happen to overlook the current costs of rising global temperatures. It's everything from increased insurance premiums to greater national security expenditures to ballooning emergency costs to addressing massive humanitarian needs. Alone, carbon pollution is really expensive, but ignoring it makes it even more expensive.

What do we need to do?

Transition off fossil fuels and towards more renewable and green energy.

Why do you think it has taken so long to begin meaningful action?

I think it was Albert Einstein who said the two most powerful forces on the face of the earth are compound interest and the status quo. This is a clear example of the status quo; our energy infrastructure was built around fossil fuel consumption and carbon pollution.

Can't we just cut our energy consumption and reduce carbon pollution?

We can and should reduce energy consumption and optimize energy efficiency where it is possible. But, we also need to increase energy production around the globe in order to help lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. So it's not just about turning off the lights when you leave your house. We need to both improve energy efficiency and produce more green energy – a lot more.

It sounds like it requires a massive response. As a state office holder, do you think states can take meaningful steps to fight climate change, or is this primarily a federal (or global) issue?

All of the above! That's just how big the problems and risks of climate change are. So, there is absolutely a role for states in solving climate change. States have always been the laboratories of democracy, where innovation occurs. Our leadership role is not only to reduce our own carbon pollution, but also to lead by example and push other states to move forward — and we're certainly doing that here in Washington.


What's one way our state is leading the work?

The Climate Commitment Act is a great example. A first in the nation bill, this act created a cap-and-invest system that is already reducing our carbon footprint. But we can't act once and call that leadership. Just look at the CCA. Now that it's in effect, shadowy anti-climate groups are attempting to repeal it, so we need to stand up and fight to protect it. If we move backwards — repealing the CCA — and emit more carbon pollution, that's obviously not good for the planet. But what's worse is other states may see our struggle, think there's no way to responsibly reduce carbon pollution, and might even give up on climate action.

Are you optimistic about our future and climate change?

I always tell people that optimism is simply believing that things will get better, whereas hope relies on the belief that our actions can improve an outcome. So, as I consider our challenges on the way to and from the state Capitol, I am not necessarily optimistic, but I am very hopeful – and that keeps me energized.

Thank you,

Denny
Paid for by Heck for Lt. Governor (D)

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