On the recordDecember 9, 2015
Right now, representatives from 195 nations are gathered in Paris to talk about the future of this planet. I am hopeful that these climate talks produce a strong commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change, because the impacts of climate change have moved from theory to fact. Now, there are some in this building who still want to debate this. For those who want the Paris talks to fail, I have a simple request: Come. Come visit my region. Come to the Pacific Northwest. I would ask them to visit a tribal village a stone's throw away from the Pacific Ocean where water continues to rise toward homes, cultural centers, and sacred sites. I would ask them to come and visit with shellfish growers whose futures and the jobs that are tied to them are at risk because of changing ocean chemistry. I would ask them to talk to folks who are threatened every single year by wildfires. And I would ask them to talk to military leaders who view climate change as what they call a threat multiplier. For a brighter future for my daughters and for all of our children, it is a good thing that the United States and the rest of the world are taking steps to confront this challenge. ____________________
