Our kids deserve a future
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In 2005, Governor Brian Schweitzer, recognizing the "profound consequences that global warming could have on the economy, environment, and quality of life in Montana," appointed the Climate Change Action Committee to develop a Climate Change Action Plan for Montana. The governor did this because the facts were clear then that we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to save our Montana way of life for future generations.
The impacts of climate change in Montana are widespread and obvious now. They include melting and disappearing glaciers, stressed water supplies, increased frequency and intensity of wildfires, loss of wildlife and fisheries and threats to human health. If we do not act soon, our children and grandchildren will inherit a grim future.
Even though teachers, ranchers, farmers, energy suppliers, and conservation groups helped write the Climate Change Action Plan, the state did not follow those recommendations. Other states have likewise given in to political pressure. As a result, the Montana citizens who stand to be impacted the most by destruction of our environment have decided to act.
Frustrated with the political stalemate, kids from around the country and world have founded the iMatter campaign to organize marches around the world, including one in Missoula on Sunday to focus climate change where it belongs: on kids.
In conjunction with these marches, on Wednesday, petitions are being filed in courts across the country and the world to focus the government's ancient legal obligation to protect critical natural resources for the benefit of its citizens on the atmosphere.
Nine-year-old Aase Kimberly Hahn of Helena, explained, "What I love about Montana: Our wonderful ski and bike trails. I like to spend my time in Montana skiing, hiking, and playing outdoors. When I go to Glacier National Park, I love seeing the animals and plants. I hope global climate change won't ruin that part of Montana.
"When I grow up I want to be a: ski racer, bike racer, author, artist, zoo keeper, and someone who studies rocks and minerals.
"When I have kids I would like to be able to live in Montana and ski and bike and play outside with them, but I hope so much global climate change doesn't change anything until then," she added.
I am part of a group of Montana attorneys representing these Montana kids for free, to give them a voice in Montana courts.
The kids will be filing a case in the Montana Supreme Court, asking the court to publicly declare the state's duty to protect the atmosphere as a critical natural resource, just like water.
Ten-year-old petitioner Bente Bechtold explains it better than I can, "I've always said to myself, 'I can make a change.' That change is now . . . Climate change can do strange things to your home but that doesn't mean we can't fight back. If you open your heart to all you can do, you can make a difference."
These kids inspire me. I hope they inspire you too. To find out more, check out www.iMattermarch.org.
