leaning tulips
We won't be pushed backward: No on I-2117
If passed by Washington voters this fall, Initiative 2117 would repeal the Climate Commitment Act, and erase funding for myriad clean energy projects, environmental justice initiatives, and good jobs. Further, the state would be blocked from any action on capping pollution and making polluters pay for their carbon pollution moving forward.
Climate change

Oil versus Optimism

By: Gregg Small on

Tough legislative sessions in Washington and Oregon are over. But we, together with an inspiring coalition, are just getting started.

Insert Solution Here

By: Nina Byers on

A clean tech company in Portland, Oregon is taking strides to make sure that your windows take your breath away, not your warmth.

ClimateCast logo over Solar Impulse

Solar price hits new low, mercury reaches new highs

By: Seth Zuckerman on

United Airlines buys stake in biofuels firm; China, Brazil, and Korea announce climate pledges; micro-grid improves electric service for California desert town; and more news of the week in clean energy solutions. 

Train fire at Lac Megantic

Remembering Lac-Mégantic—and other tragedies of our dependence on oil

By: Jonathan Lawson on

It's been two years since the lethal Lac-Mégantic oil train catastrophe that killed 47 people. With oil-by-rail traffic hugely expanding through our own region—dozens of mile-long oil trains every day—future accidents would seem to be a certainty. This can't remain business as usual.

Green is the colo(u)r of growth: how the UK and Washington can lead on climate change

By: Alison Conboy and Mark Caine on

December’s international climate talks will require substantial leadership from the countries at the negotiating table. But climate challenges cannot be solved by negotiators alone. Local and regional leadership – from Seattle to Bristol, California to Wales – will be critical in keeping our climate safe while realizing the benefits of the green economy.

WA Legislature must stand up to pressure from Big Oil

By: Climate Solutions on

Undue influence from the oil industry is putting Washington’s health, climate, safety, and communities at risk. A diverse coalition is asking the State Legislature to stand up against the pressure.

Cities Get Clean Energy

By: Elizabeth Willmott on

City leaders across the United States see that energy efficiency means not only carbon reduction but also good government and sound economic policy:

Who's running the Port of Seattle? Candidates Forum June 29

By: Joëlle Robinson on

With an election on the way, here's a valuable opportunity to hear Port Commissioner candidates discuss their vision for a prosperous and sustainable public port.

ClimateCast logo over Pope Francis

Pope urges climate action, pundits ponder the impacts

By: Seth Zuckerman on

Vermont vows 75 percent renewable grid by 2032, low oil prices cancel $200 billion in fossil mega-projects, India quintuples its solar targets, and more stories of the week in clean energy solutions.

Bellevue builds clean energy cred

By: Elizabeth Willmott on

Bellevue, WA has been quietly earning accolades for its achievements in sustainability, clean energy and energy efficiency. What's next for this leading city?

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Revolution Required: Climate, Energy, and the Road Through Paris

Come join Climate Solutions' very own Ross Macfarlane as he outlines the reasons we need a complete transformation of our energy system over the next several decades, and how local and state leadership can play a critical role. “Revolution Required: Climate, Energy, and the Road through Paris” illustrates climate‘s effects east of the Cascades and what the means for the future. Doors open at 6:30 PM for no-host refreshments and the presentation begins at 7:00 PM. Admission by donation.

An American in Paris

Submitted by KC Golden on

Though we may come by our climate cynicism honestly post-Paris, it doesn't do the climate (or our future) a lick of good. The world only wins climate solutions if our country, the United States, shows all the way up. And no matter how hard it may be to hold our own country so accountable, that remains our indispensable role.

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The Seattle Go Green! Conference

The 7th annual GoGreen Seattle Conference, is a one-day, interactive learning experience featuring tactical how-tos, a solutions-centered deep dive into new ways of thinking, and a showcase of regional business leaders and their success stories. With a distinct platform of bringing together leaders from across industries, GoGreen builds viable networks and cross-pollinates sustainability best practices throughout the regional business community. 

Nous sommes climat

Submitted by KC Golden on

To “be” climate is the hardest thing of all, yet there’s nothing else to be. Climate denial persists because we don’t want to go here. Contradicting science is the least of it; we compartmentalize; we detach; we disown consequences. We watch our leaders work their hearts out for a strong climate agreement, while toying with a deal to lift a ban on oil exports.

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Dispatches from Paris: where are we after COP21?

"If the world were a bank," a French labor leader said in exasperation during the Paris climate negotiations, "it would have been rescued by now!" In this telebriefing, four Northwest climate action leaders share unfiltered ringside observations on the negotiations' final stages. With KC Golden, labor leader Jeff Johnson, clean tech business leader Tim Miller, and Portland sustainability manager Michael Armstrong.

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