Gov. Inslee discusses the destiny of the human race with UN
Mar 23, 2017, 9:22 AM | Updated: 9:24 am
Governor Jay Inslee speaks during a meeting about climate change and sustainable development at United Nations headquarters, on March 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee addressed the United Nations on climate change in New York City Thursday morning. And during his four-minute speech, the governor discussed the destiny of the human race.
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“Our destiny is to use our human powers of innovation, and genius, and creativity, and technological ability, to build a clean energy economy and the inevitable opportunities for prosperity that follow from those developments,” Inslee said.
“We know that mankind did not cross the millions of years from the first stone ax to the first lunar landing, only to destroy the natural systems and the climate that form the very foundation of our societies and our world. We know that such a bitter end cannot be our destiny.”
The dire message from Inslee followed a from West Coast leaders in anticipation of an executive order from the Trump administration that will repeal the created by the Obama administration that is aimed at combating climate change. The plan was first proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2014.
The EPA itself is facing a tough future. President Trump proposed cutting the EPA budget by 31 percent.
: An analysis by Gov. Jay Inslee’s office finds the entirety of Puget Sound funding would be cut under the White House proposal.
Money for Puget Sound is typically passed to organizations, tribes, and scientists working on restoring habitat. The EPA also funds research such as that focused on urban growth and storm-water pollution.
“Today more than ever those powers of innovation are pivitol in our ability to save my state from the mortal threats we are now experiencing,” Inslee said. “Unbelievable forest fires we have never experienced. Unprecedented drought. Ocean acidification that has made it difficult for our shellfish industry to even grow baby oysters.”
“And we refuse to resign ourselves to that state beyond repair.”
Since being elected governor in 2013, Inslee has advocated that the Evergreen State do more in the fight against climate change. He has tried to persuade the Legislature to jump on board with a carbon tax — an effort that has failed so far.
Inslee heads to San Francisco Friday to speak at the World Economic Forum.
