Earth Share of Washington

Earth Share Notes - November 2004

Monthly perspectives from Earth Share of Washington staff members on activities and trends.

Dear Reader:

In 1800 Thomas Jefferson wrote this in a letter to his daughter, "Politics are such a torment that I would advise every one I love not to mix with them."

Jefferson wrote those words at a particularly difficult time in American history. So divided was our country at the beginning of the nineteenth century that two American leaders, Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, fought a duel over their beliefs. As an apolitical organization, we do no lobbying for legislation, nor endorse candidates. There are plenty of conservation organizations that do.

As these words are written, people will visit the polls tomorrow in vast numbers. Their voting will affect the American - and global - environment, including policies governing our air and water quality, land use, transportation and energy systems.

Grab the coffee pot. I think we'll be up late tomorrow night.

William Borden
Executive Director

Climate Change (Part 1 of 2)

Learning the Science

University of Washington environmental studies majors Ara Clark and Emily Raforth are spending their summer taking part in an Environmental Journalism internship for Earth Share of Washington. Their interest in climate change and environmental ethics stems from their coursework through the Program on the Environment at the UW. This is the first installment of their 2-part series exploring the physical and social implications of climate change in the Pacific Northwest.

Dismissing the debate

Pens, notebooks, and $30 tape recorder in-hand, we set out on our first interviews to better understand the science of climate change. For answers, we turned to Dr. Richard Gammon, climate science professor at the University of the Washington. As former students of professor Gammon's spring quarter climate policy class, we were familiar with his passion for climate change and mind-blowing propensity for spitting out rapid-fire, detail-laden responses.

We were looking for scientific proof and personal reflections from Dr. Gammon. What are some specific impacts of climate change here in the Northwest? With so much evidence that humans are causing climate change and so many positive clean energy solutions available, why do the media still focus on the 'science debate' that scientists say is already settled? And how do we communicate the science to the public?

Q: What statistics about climate change do find most compelling?

RG: He rephrased our question for us, "you mean what can you tell people to convince them?" Pausing for a moment he stated matter-of-factly, "atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is at a level the Earth hasn't seen for half a million years, not to mention rapid retreat and melting of arctic ice and glaciers world wide." Dr. Gammon then cited several local effects, "we are in the middle of a six year drought, the Northwest is seeing increased forest fires, and by the middle of this century, we will have lost half of the annual snow-pack in the Cascades. Northwest average temperatures have risen 1.5 F in the last century and are expected to rise another .5 F by 2020."

According to Gammon, "the role of human activity as a primary driver [of climate change] is now accepted by most climate scientists. You both know people who don't accept the climate science; they think we are still arguing about it. It's like they are addicted smokers convinced there is no connection between smoking and lung cancer. We need to convince those skeptics to move beyond that denial because this problem is not going to go away."

For obvious reasons, the most notable skeptics are the oil and coal industries. Outspoken skeptical scientists exist, but it is important to note that they are the minority when compared to the 2,000+ scientists from more than 100 countries that comprise the United Nations Environmental Programme's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. In our research visiting the websites of several prominent skeptics organizations, the same half dozen scientists were named as contributors.

Overwhelmed by these statistics we asked each other, how does this affect our lives? Snow pack loss alone impacts our winter recreation, the water we drink, and iconic northwest wildlife and their habitat. Implications of our changing climate will seriously impact local industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. It affects everyone.

Our next interview was with KC Golden of Climate Solutions, one of the nations leading grassroots climate advocacy groups. Golden has been involved with climate policy in the Pacific Northwest for the past 10 years. He served as special assistant to the Mayor of Seattle for clean energy and climate protection initiatives. He also served as the Assistant Director of Washington's Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, where he directed the Energy Division and the state's energy policy office.

Q: What specific people and industries are most affected by climate change in the Pacific Northwest?

KC: The loss of Cascade snow pack is the single most devastating impact. Water from Cascade snow is the backbone of our power supply. It makes agriculture and salmon possible.

In a nutshell, if we don't get enough snow in the winter, we won't have enough water to carry us through the dry parts in the year. Our climate will be wetter in all the wrong places at all the wrong times, causing winter and spring flooding which affect salmon spawning grounds. Snow pack and quality of life go hand in hand in the Northwest. Decreasing annual snow pack will severely impact all ski resorts below 5,000 feet in elevation. We were reminded of a statement from our interview with Dr. Gammon that, "plans to ski at Snoqualmie Pass in 2050 will be non-existent."

Golden also mentioned the threats to our great forests. With warmer winters come extensive pest damage, as British Columbia is already experiencing with the Mountain Pine Beetle. These infestations leave forests vulnerable to increased forest fire frequency and intensity.

Forests and snow are the essence of our livelihood in the Pacific Northwest, with their loss we will lose our regional uniqueness.

Telling the Story

The idea of simply reporting on climate science was frustrating, inaccessible, and difficult for us to grasp. Considering the impending doom descending upon us and the seemingly impossible task of communicating the impacts of climate change, we asked our interviewees to step into the shoes of a journalist. How do we share this information, why should people care, and what are some solutions? Gammon was outspoken about what he sees as a false debate over climate change presented by the media, "we don't stage media debates over whether or not the Earth is round." Amazingly he advocated using a personal approach when communicating the science of climate change. "Most people aren't excited or moved by graphs, unlike myself. You can more effectively reach out by telling the story of climate change in a personal way."

KC Golden advised us to find the right balance in our climate change storytelling. From his perspective, climate stories should be true to the science and sobering, yet upbeat. "It's hard to absorb a story that is all doomsday. It's not that people don't believe the science - they just numb out because it can be too overwhelming."

We emerged from the interviews considering climate change from a much broader perspective. Dr. Gammon talked about the importance of considering the social, economic, political, and ethical aspects of this broad issue. He opened our eyes to the need for a humanistic and holistic approach to climate science. His advice is to, "be involved in understanding the science and be politically active." He wasn't necessarily talking about sign waving and protest-marching; he was implying that a firm grasp of the science empowers people to be environmentally aware and involved citizens.

With forest fires on the evening news and record-breaking temperatures across the state, climate change was on our minds this summer. After speaking with one of the most prominent Northwest climate scientists and one of the most outspoken climate advocates, it is not only the science that is compelling, but the personal stories of the families and businesses being affected by climate change today. The story of climate change is important to tell because we are all living the reality of climate change; it affects our forests, our economy, and our quality of life here in the Pacific Northwest.

Refusing to be helpless bystanders, we wanted to address the tremendous opportunities for people and businesses in the Pacific Northwest to make a difference. Through economic development of alternative energy, a sound climate policy, and responsible individual actions, we can change the course of our climate future.

Stay tuned for our next installment in the December Earth Page. Instead of letting the gloom and doom drown us, we sought out proactive solutions: Policy, Action and Opportunities in Part 2 of Climate Change.

Organic gardening for low-income communities

- submitted by Holly Unger from Earth Share of Washington organization Community Coalition for Environmental Justice

Last year, a University of Washington study found that children who eat organic fruits and vegetables have pesticide levels six times lower than those who ate conventional produce. For many Seattleites, statistics like this are yet another reason to frequent the local organic cooperative. But for low-income parents, the high cost of organic foods can prevent them from buying safe fruits and vegetables for their families.

To address this environmental and economic injustice issue, Earth Share of Washington organization Community Coalition for Environmental Justice (CCEJ), in partnership with Cultivating Communities, has initiated the Garden Connection project. The goal of the Garden Connection is to increase low-income community access to organic food through community gardening and to promote intergenerational (youth and seniors) partnerships by bringing these groups together.

Cultivating Communities is a partnership between the Friends of P-Patch, Seattle Housing Authority, Department of Neighborhoods, and other non-profit organizations. Mostly recent immigrants maintain their nineteen community gardens, located in low-income housing areas. The gardens provide food and a sense of community for these residents.

For the Garden Connection project, CCEJ and Cultivating Communities will make the gardens even more community-based by involving youth and seniors, who will collaborate in the planting and maintenance of the gardens. Education outreach is in full swing; the Garden Connection members are busy making contacts with local youth and senior citizens. Students from Garfield and Franklin High Schools are expected to be involved. The Garden Connection Steering Committee has been established and is continuing to develop a strong base of community organizations and individuals to support the gardens.

For the Garden Connection, three sites have been designated thus far -the future P-Patch at MLK Boulevard and Jefferson Street, the garden site next to NOVA high school, and the Judkins P-Patch. The fresh produce that will be grown will help reconnect these communities to the roots of the land and teach them about the benefits of gardening. Little by little, we can help make sure that organic fruits and vegetables are not a privilege for those who can afford them, but a human right for all people.

Survey finds widespread use of hazardous pesticides in Washington Public Schools

- submitted by Angela Storey from Earth Share organization Washington Toxics Coalition

A majority of Washington's children attend school in districts using pesticides that could cause serious long-term health problems such as cancer and nervous system damage, finds A Lesson in Prevention, a new report by the Washington Toxics Coalition. The report documents pesticide use by 50 of the state's largest school districts.

The report finds that:

• 96% of Washington's largest school districts use high hazard pesticides linked to cancer, reproductive or developmental harm, nervous system damage, or endocrine (hormone) disruption.
• Many districts are not tracking pesticide use as required by state law.
• Some school districts are breaking the trend, successfully reducing and eliminating the use of hazardous pesticides.

Since these districts are the state's largest, these findings mean that a majority of Washington's children (67%) attend school in districts using high hazard pesticides.

"It is unconscionable to me as a parent, and as a physician, that we continue to risk exposing our children to chemicals that could seriously impact their health and development," says Dr. Liliane Bartha, a parent in the Olympia School District.

Since children's bodies are still developing, they are more susceptible to the risks from pesticide exposure than adults. At the same time, their exposures are greater. Children have more skin surface and breathe more air than adults relative to their body weight, contributing to their higher rates of exposure to pesticides. Contact with lawns and playgrounds, and the tendency of kids to put their hands and objects into their mouth, also dramatically increase the risk of exposure.

Fortunately, several districts in Washington are showing that schools can be maintained without the use of high hazard pesticides. The Vancouver School District, one of the state's largest, has drastically reduced their use of pesticides, and has even incorporated their safer pest management principles into science curriculum for the district. Vancouver's school board adopted a policy in 2002 that lays out clear criteria for pesticide use, focusing on safer solutions first and using least-toxic products only as a last resort. Six districts in the state have adopted policies that eliminate the use of all high hazard pesticides, putting the protection of children's health first.

"Thankfully we have a School Board and district staff that prioritize our children's health and have embraced this move to least-toxic pest control," says Elizabeth Koch, a parent in the Vancouver School District and a member of the district's IPM committee.

Input and support from parents and community members have been vital to these districts changing their practices. Information on pesticide use at schools is public information, and you can contact your district to find out what products are being used and encourage your school board to adopt a strong pesticide policy. For assistance in reducing pesticide use in your local district, or with questions about pesticides and kids, contact Angela Storey at Washington Toxics Coalition, 206-632-1545 ext. 11 or astorey@watoxics.org.

Full text of the report, including information on pesticide use by local districts and on safer alternatives, can be found at: www.watoxics.org.

Environmental Education Aids Student Test Scores

- submitted by Hilary Hilscher from Earth Share of Washington organization Audubon Washington

Students involved in environmental education score higher on standardized tests than students with more conventional schooling, according to a report released October 13 by the Environmental Education Association of Washington (EEAW).

"Not only do kids in environmental education frequently do better on standardized tests, they also tend to have higher overall grade averages, stay in school longer, and behave better in their classes," said Tom Moore, president of EEAW and director of Spokane's West Valley Outdoor Learning Center. "We're seeing such results in both Washington State and across the country."

Environmental education, an approach that uses nature to teach the three "Rs," is offered both in schools and in non-formal settings such as zoos, parks, aquariums, and nature centers.

The Report Card on Environmental Education in Washington, compiled by EEAW written and produced by Audubon Washington and Washington Department of Natural Resources, gives top marks to EE's ability to improve students' standardized test scores, Washington's strong legal and academic foundations for EE, and the innovative EE approaches around the state. However, general public awareness of EE and its benefits rated only a 'C' grade, while state support for EE scored a 'D'.

Despite the 1991 state mandate that EE be available in all schools, many still offer little or none. A statewide survey in 2001 by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction showed that 87 percent of teachers want more information on how to improve student learning using EE as a context for learning. The same percentage want EE lesson plans, training, and technical support.

Overall, the Report Card recommends that the state develop a strategic plan to ensure uniform quality, quantity, and delivery of environmental education to students across Washington.

"Aside from its academic advantages, environmental education also saves taxpayers money by getting schools and communities involved in natural resource research to collect useful data," said Jeff Koenings, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The report also cites recent research showing popular support in Washington for environmental education: 96 percent of respondents said EE helps maintain a healthy environment for humans, 95 percent said it helps achieve sustainable use of natural resources, and 92 percent said it helps prevent expensive environmental problems.

Teachers using environmental education said it helps students develop critical-thinking skills and become more involved with their communities.

The report card also contains profiles of several EE programs in Washington: the Wild Wise Program developed by Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo that goes to schools statewide, Project Bluebird in Olympia, Project CAT in Cle Elum, Vancouver's Watershed Monitoring Network, and the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center in Spokane. A citizen's action guide offers recommendations for parents and students, educators, business people, and elected officials.

For more information, and to read the complete Report Card, please visit Audubon Washington's website - http://wa.audubon.org.

In Brief: Roadless Rule, Green River Study, 1892 Mining Law Challenged

Washington Wilderness Coalition Organizes to Save Roadless Rule
WWC has been working full time to stop the repeal of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects over 58 million acres of roadless forests in the United States, including 2 million acres in Washington State, from road building, logging, mining and drilling. In an effort to protect roadless areas, WWC has helped organize events around the state in 2004, including a rally in Seattle featuring Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Jay Inslee. Four full time organizers and numerous volunteers have been working on public outreach and gathering comments on the Roadless Rule. Organizers and volunteers, armed with comment cards, stickers, buttons and t-shirts, have talked to thousands of people and were seen by thousands more throughout Puget Sound including local festivals such as Bumbershoot and Hempfest. To learn more about the Roadless Are Conservation Rule or WWC's efforts to designate the Wild Sky Wilderness, please visit their website - http://www.wawild.org/.

Trout Unlimited Conducts Innovative Insect Study on the Green River
Washington Council of Trout Unlimited (WCTU) has been working for the past five years to provide a database on habitat health, the affects of development, habitat restoration, and carcass distribution, affecting Salmonid production in the Green River located near Auburn, Washington, 15 miles south of Seattle. This project started when volunteer Hal Boynton observed that King County was doing considerable work on tributaries of the Green River, but no data were being collected on the main stem where 85% of the Salmonids live and feed (primarily on aquatic insects) during their freshwater lifecycle. One of the most notable findings from the study is that the overall quantity of insects in increasing on the river, thanks in large part to nutrient enhancement work on the part of Trout Unlimited. Hal's involvement in starting this collection of data on salmon food provides a key element of the scientific database necessary for restoring local fish habitats. It is the hope of WCTU, that Hal's study will become the means for future studies of this nature by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

1892 Mining Law Challenged
Sometimes, the best way to get a bad law changed is to insist that it be enforced vigorously. Earth Share organization, The Lands Council of Spokane, is doing just that to get the nation's mining laws overhauled. The group has staked a mining claim on public land near a posh development in Hayden Lake, Idaho.

The group staked its claim under an 1892 law that said mining and other extractive industries were the highest and best use of land.

"We just have to pay $165 and that allows us to explore for minerals," Mike Peterson, director of the Lands Council, told reporters. With its claim staked, the council can bring in heavy equipment and begin digging for minerals and precious metals. It's a prospect that has rattled residents in the upscale neighborhood who prize the trail system leading to the nearby national forests.

The group is doing this to illustrate the dangers of allowing mining to occur near sensitive lands. The Lands Council hopes the publicity generated from this venture will cause the community and government to take notice, and update this outdated law.