On Saturday, Oct. 27, I was privileged to attend a truly historic event. Activists, politicians, students and citizens from all over the Commonwealth of Virginia converged on Charlottesville to participate in the first-ever Virginia Climate Action Conference. The conference represented the first time in the history of the state that Virginian’s had come together with the sole purpose of fighting disastrous climate change right in their own backyard.
There were lectures and panel discussions on a wide range of topics, from biofuels to state energy policy, from coal mining to engaging the faith community, from wind farms to environmental legislation.
The Green Miles even did some live blogging from the event, which you can see here.
For me, it was a great opportunity to learn about the science and politics of climate change in Virginia, with experts panelists drawn from numerous disciplines. Did you know, for example, that with over 3,000 miles of shoreline (as much as California!) Virginia is one of the states most vulnerable to sea-level rise? Or did you know that Virginia is ranked dead-last in state spending on energy efficiency? Or how about the fact that Virginia’s per capita energy usage is 40% percent higher than California’s? Sobering statistics, especially when you consider the efforts of Dominion Power to build even more coal-fired plants.
Perhaps more importantly, though, the Virginia Climate Action Conference was an opportunity to see the passion that Virginian’s have for the well-being of their state, and to witness the kind of progress that can be made when people get together, form coalitions and fight hard for what is right. Already there is a diverse group of people fighting to protect Virginia’s environment. When we come together on a regional level, just as we did last Saturday, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
The fires started last weekend in several mountain locations and by Monday the air over Coronado was noticeably heavy with particulate matter and white flecks of ash blanketed parked cars as the Santa Ana winds carried massive plumes of smoke westward out to sea. Soon, local authorities announced classes at all area schools would be canceled for at least a week due to dangerously poor air quality. Special programs were provided so that people could learn the fate of their homes from the fire. Damages from the fires have already topped $1 billion.
San Diegans responded to this disaster with extraordinary efficiency, public spirit and calm. There has been no reported looting or mayhem. It felt like a
