Yes, you are right. It’s hot this summer and hotter than it used to be. It’s too hot and smoky.
Our firefighters are working hard, and in our nearby communities so far, thankfully, no lives have been lost. Still, for some of our neighbors this summer, the impacts and costs are truly devastating.
Even if we don’t lose our home to a wildfire, the heat and smoke cost us all — from emergency room visits for asthma attacks, rising insurance rates, canceled events, health impacts, and swimming pool closures.
It’s not your imagination — twice this summer, Earth has hit the highest worldwide temperatures since records have been kept.
Climate scientists have predicted the effects caused by fossil fuel emissions for a few generations now. I don’t need to tell you about the increase in extreme weather — you’ve all experienced it. Or, I should say, unfortunately, you’re just beginning to experience it.
The good news is that from the federal to the local level, people are starting to act. While the costs of climate change inaction are increasing every year, the prices for clean energy continue to drop.
At the federal and state level, there are rebates and tax incentives to move away from fossil fuels. You can find what is available specifically for you at homes.rewiringamerica.org.
At the community level, Moscow passed its Climate Action Plan in 2022 which sets goals on lowering our community emissions. The plan calls for the city to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and outlines strategies in areas such as power grid decarbonization, building efficiency, renewable energy, vehicle trip and waste reduction, water conservation, and tree planting to get us there. Moscow, in fact, might be an example for other Idaho cities — the city recently won an achievement award for its plan from the Idaho Association of Cities.
At the personal level, just like how we’re helping our neighbors affected by these wildfires, we can all pitch in to cut our emissions — however we can. It’s a big effort, but as is the case of the proverbial overflowing bathtub, the first thing for us to do is turn off the tap.
As part of climate planning, Moscow is also working to prepare and adapt to a warmer future. Many of us aren’t used to hotter temperatures, and heat kills more people than any other type of weather. We especially need to visit and watch out for our elderly neighbors, and children are also more greatly affected. Stay hydrated. Learn about and know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Hamilton Indoor Recreation Center is an available cooling shelter. This month’s Moscow utility bill includes tips for managing the risks of wildfire smoke and hot temperatures.
Yes, it is hotter.
As we face the climate challenge together, we will continue sharing information and resources with our community as we work to develop solutions. Working together, we can make a difference.
Hilding is a longtime Moscow resident and part of the City of Moscow’s Climate Action Working Group, a subcommittee of the Sustainable Environment Commission. With suggestions or questions about this column, visit the Citizens’ Climate Lobby-Palouse Chapter at cclpalouse.org.
