A new report from the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that carbon emissions between 2010 and 2019 increased across the globe in all major sectors. The co-chair of the IPCC Working Group, Jim Skea, said “It’s now or never, if we want to limit global warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit; without immediate and deep emissions reductions across all sectors, it will be impossible”.
Coming just weeks in advance of Earth Day, this report reinforces the urgency of acting now to reduce our carbon emissions and prevent irreparable damage to our environment. The good news, though, is that if we take bold steps and think systematically, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40-70% by 2050.
We don’t often think of land use as a climate strategy, but thinking about how we build our communities plays a key role in how we live our lives, including our greenhouse gas emissions. Greater density generally, and especially near transit hubs, creates walkable communities where people can get around without their cars. We can also require green building technologies, such as solar, to reduce the impact of new building. As a County Councilmember, a member of the Sound Transit Board, and Chair of the Affordable Housing Committee, I am committed to working with regional partners and the community in thinking about how we build a more sustainable and affordable future.
 Velocity, affordable housing located at South Kirkland Park and Ride, is a great example of transit-oriented development and smart land use!
 |
|
Happy Spring!
For many, spring is a hopeful time—the weather warms, flowers bloom, birds start singing again. This year, April is also a time of celebration for Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities, with Passover, Easter, and Ramadan all falling in the same month. To those who observe one of these holidays, Chag Pesach Sameach, Happy Easter, and Ramadan Mubarak!
|
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual assault is a difficult thing to talk about, but it thrives in silence. Fear often keeps survivors from speaking out—fear of the perpetrator, fear of not being believed, fear of being blamed for what happened to them. That’s why April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time for us to learn about what sexual assault is, how to prevent it, and how someone can get help if they are assaulted.
And help is available. King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) has a confidential, 24/7 resource line that survivors can call to get support, understand their options, and get referrals to any services they want to seek. Visit KCSARC’s website for more information and help is available anytime at 888.998.6423.
BRB
Next week, the King County Council is taking our spring recess, so I won’t be sending a weekly update. Don’t worry, though, we’ll just miss one week and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me in the meantime!
Spread the word!
Please forward this email widely and invite others to sign-up to my email updates to receive important and timely information for District 6 constituents.
Sincerely,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
District 6
|
