Gov. Bill Walker has announced a climate change action plan, creating a framework for Alaskans to strategize a response to global warming that threatens the state’s health, safety and economic future.
The administrative order signed on Oct. 31 by Walker calls for selection of a 15-member climate action leadership team of stakeholders from across the state to build on past research and policy recommendations to update and inform new policy priorities. The team is to be chaired by Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott, with Walker actually appointing the other members later this year.
“Alaskans should be at the forefront of innovation and response,” Walker said during a news conference in Juneau, where the plan was announced. “In addition to developing solutions that ensure community and economic resilience while mitigating environmental harm, we must also engage with national and international partners to strengthen Alaska’s voice in global decision-making. We will support the goals of the Paris Agreement while ensuring that Alaskan communities and businesses have the resources and opportunity to benefit from the global response to climate change,” he said,
Applications from residents interested in serving on the board are being accepted through Nov. 14. The leadership team will also form subcommittees of non-members, who can provide expertise on specific issues.
The team will be charged with providing preliminary recommendations and progress reports on a quarterly basis, and delivering an initial recommended plan of action by Sept. 1, 2018.
The governor’s office said that administrative order that Walker signed will provide a flexible framework for both internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement responses to climate change that reflect Alaska’s priorities and needs.
While making a commitment to deal with climate change, Walker also spoke of concerns over the state’s economic woes.
“We know the need has been there, but there have been a few things we’ve been dealing with here on the fiscal side,” he said during the news conference. “But climate change is not going to be set aside as a result of our fiscal situation, so we’re moving forward with this.”
The administrative order does not include any specific directions the state should take in dealing with climate change.
The Alaska Oil and Gas Association hopes to be included in the committee, said Sarah Erkmann Ward, external affairs manager for AOGA,. “We look forward to the discussion and hope to be an ally, not an adversary.”
The Juneau office of the conservation entity Ocean Conservancy applauded Walker’s decision to address significant climate change issues confronting Alaska.
“Gov. Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott have taken a measured, carefully considered action that can help lay the foundation for a sustainable future for our state,” said Michael LeVine, senior Arctic fellow at Ocean Conservancy, “today’s order rightly prioritizes resilient communities, healthy ecosystems and a vibrant economy. It also demonstrates that planning a safer, smarter and stronger Alaska in the face of climate change is a nonpartisan issue.
“Ocean Conservancy remains committed to supporting initiatives like this one, which will ensure that Alaskan communities are resilient, our wildlife and ecosystems continue to thrive and our economy stays strong,” he said.,
