Climate and Energy
Alaskans have an opportunity to shape national policy - and forge national solutions - by telling our story, crafting local and state policies to minimize our impacts, and empowering our congressional delegation to lead the fight for climate security. That's why ACE's global warming campaign concentrates advocacy on: • Bringing public attention to the threat of global warming. • Reducing individual and business energy consumption. • Shaping energy policy on local, state and federal levels. • Providing online information and educational resources. More than ever, we need the grassroots support of our members to make an impact on this issue. Your calls to elected officials, efforts to reduce your own energy conservation, outreach to friends and financial support are crucial to the success of this campaign. To become a key activist and volunteer on our global warming campaign, send an email to ace@akcenter.org.
In Alaska, the negative effects of global warming are threatening our very way of life: salmon streams are warming, forests are succumbing to increased infestation and fire, and our favorite winter recreation activities are threatened by increasingly unpredictable winters. If we don’t take action today to stop global warming in its tracks, the Alaska we know and love will be forever changed- for the worse.
The good news is that we have the tools to save our state. Just as Alaska is ground zero for global warming, we can also be a leader for reversing the harmful causes of climate change. Global warming is a global problem that requires global solutions- and that means taking positive steps at the personal, regional, and national level.
Personal
Reduce your own energy consumption- carpool, use compact florescent light bulbs, purchase energy efficient vehicles and appliances, and weatherize your home.
Local
Local Assemblies and Mayors can sign onto the Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement to reduce global warming emissions by 7 percent below 1990 levels.
State and National
Alaska State Legislators and the Alaska delegation to Congress have passed legislation to fund the development of renewable technology and have programs that help individuals to become more energy efficient. Find out more about the Home Energy Rebate and Weatherization Programs here. However, the state can continue to set cleaner air and pollution standards and increase fuel efficiency in automobiles.
Take action today. And spread the word.
If one household changes its light bulbs, it won’t be enough. But if we all take responsibility, and help push our communities and state leaders towards a plan of action, we can stop global warming before it’s too late.
