On November 14, Climate Solutions hosted a live Twitter Q&A on climate and clean energy issues with Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Washington Governor Jay Inslee. Both governors were attending the COP23 United Nations Climate Conference, presided over by Fiji and held in Bonn, Germany. All of our questions and answers are below. Twitter users: follow Climate Solutions for more news and commentary on climate and clear energy every day!
Northwest climate action and #COP23: A Twitter Q&A with @OregonGovBrown and @GovInslee live from Bonn. Tune in today at noon PST; follow @ClimateSolution and #actonclimateNW pic.twitter.com/aEDbpI58iu
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
Excited to chat with @climatesolution today at 12pm! Join @GovInslee and I to hear more about the #COP23 summit and how states are leading the #climatechange fight. Follow #ActOnClimateNW. pic.twitter.com/eTLmygB8oN
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
Ok everybody, we’re live with @OregonGovBrown and @GovInslee. Both NW governors have made climate progress a key priority for their administrations, and have been national leaders on state-level #climateaction. #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
First, thanks to @OregonGovBrown and @GovInslee for joining us for this Q&A, and bringing some of your reflections from #COP23 Bonn back home to the NW. #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
Welcome! Our first question for @OregonGovBrown: How would you describe the current moment that we’re in, regarding the possibilities for progress on climate action? #COP23 #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
Thank you, @climatesolution, for chatting with us today! #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
I believe future generations will judge us not on the fact of global #climatechange, but on what we do to handle it... and the science is clear: we have a responsibility to act. #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
Thanks to the Trump Administration, the U.S. is now the only country in the world not party to the #ParisAgreement, leaving our economy behind - this is not OK. We have a moral and economic imperative to act. #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
The environmental impacts of #climatechange are huge, threatening our economy, clean air and water, and leading to public health concerns. #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/pBmIl26GeK
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
Worse yet, these economic and health impacts disproportionately affect communities of color & low-income households, who have less opportunities to cope with emerging challenges as a result of #climatechange. #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/dOZbtzES28
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
All that to say, state leadership on #climatechange is now more important than ever! Oregon may be small, but we are mighty - and we can be a big part of the solution. #ActonClimateNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
Thank so much @OregonGovBrown. Now to @GovInslee: What’s your take on where we are now with regard to climate progress? #COP23 #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
There’s no pausing our progress. That’s one clear takeaway from #COP23 pic.twitter.com/MUQ2qEXWVs
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
We're making progress, but we also saw emissions increase globally. We need to act faster and bolder. #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/OV74u6L6mg
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
You both travelled to Bonn this month for the #COP23 climate meetings, which are carrying forward the implementation of the landmark 2015 Paris climate agreement. @OregonGovBrown, what is your biggest takeaway from the UN climate meetings? #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
Yes, we went to #COP23 to show that American climate leadership is still alive, and that leaders representing over 40% of the U.S. GDP, $7 trillion dollars of combined economic activity, and 1.3 million clean energy jobs are “still in.” #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/UuqNUo9Tlp
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
It was great to be surrounded by so many #ClimateAction champions at #COP23! I was proud to stand with governors who agree that we can fill the void left by the federal government on #climatechange by lifting up our vulnerable communities and creating good jobs. #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
For example, earlier this week @GovInslee and I had the opportunity to tell the world that states are moving forward to a #cleanenergy economy, not backwards - despite the fact that the Trump administration was at #COP23 to promote coal power. #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/2CBrGMuM93
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
What else are you taking away from the #COP23 climate talks, @GovInslee? #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
What we heard over and over is that the world is grateful for the leadership of American states, cities, businesses, and citizens from all walks of life on climate action - and that other countries aren't slowing down the fight one iota because of this president. #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/TQU6OjIBio
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
#actonClimateNW I would like to ask @GovInslee how the WUTC can push back on natural gas as a "bridge" fuel?
— Kim Drury (@KimDrury2) November 14, 2017
We know we need to reduce fossil fuels of all kinds, a big answer to that is pushing renewables. That also depends on a smart grid, and other clean tech investments. #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/Sv5aDsbkJM
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
#Climateleadership in OR and #WA has included the challenge of articulating not only the risks of climate inaction, but the benefits of climate action. @OregonGovBrown, what economic and health benefits do you see for Oregon leading on climate? #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
I believe we can address #climatechange, lead Oregon towards a #cleanenergy future AND grow jobs at the same time. #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
We know that one of the biggest threats to our economy and way of life comes from #climatechange, so we're working to make it easier for industries with low-carbon products to locate in Oregon, helping keep our economy strong. #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
#Climatechange threatens our economy, environment, and way of life, impacting all Oregonians, but hitting low-income communities, communities of color, and rural communities the hardest. I believe we have a moral responsibility to act. #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
.@OregonGovBrown & @GovInslee: Scientific projections show risks of climate-related disasters like wildfires & droughts will increase in severity as the planet warms. What can states & the region do to cut emissions & protect communities? #ActOnClimateNW
— Concerned Scientists (@UCSUSA) November 14, 2017
The short answer is don't wait for DC. Every business, university, local gov't can do their part. Improve energy efficiency, buy renewable power, move to EVs. There's a lot to do. #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/4VEP7ualNR
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
What are we, as a state, doing to get @psetalk to abandon coal and shut down Colstrip?
— Brian On Wine (@BrianOnWine) November 14, 2017
We've been working through #waleg process for a while now. We know that carbon free energy is the future. More info: https://t.co/mgUL7RRBtB #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/Cq5nF7DxvF
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
The answer to climate change is to move away from coal, not expand it even more. https://t.co/tGiyvJn40S #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
We're also working to close our state's last coal-fired plant as well. We're committed to moving away from coal-fired electricity. #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
.@GovInslee, can you describe what you see as some of the benefits of climate action for Washington? #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
Jobs. We see enormous economic opportunity as our clean energy sector is growing at about twice the rate as other sectors in our state. #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/E9MgoE3CAI
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
Plus it’s crucial for protecting our health, quality of life and our heritage: the air our children breathe, our ag industry, our snowpack, our forests, our oceans and streams are being ravaged by climate change and ocean acidification.
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
Ok, so that’s why climate action is important for the northwest. Why is our region critical for climate action? Addressing that to @OregonGovBrown. #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
There’s strength in numbers and working together with @GovInslee and our west coast partners is crucial to fighting #climatechange, while also building a thriving economy that invests in clean energy. #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/nFXWWjqBNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
Since developing the @PCCLeads partnership, the West Coast’s collective GDP has grown by 20%, while our greenhouse gas emissions have declined by 6%! #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
In the PNW, #WeAreStillIn. Now more than ever, state leadership on #climatechange is imperative. We are working together to get more electric vehicles on roads, make buildings more efficient, attract investment & make communities more resilient to climate impacts. #ActonClimateNW https://t.co/nFXWWjqBNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
Oregon may play a small part in #climatechange, but we can be a big part of the solution. We look forward to continued collaboration and leadership with @GovInslee & @PCCleads on growing our #cleanenergy economy and fighting climate change. #ActonClimateNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
What are your thoughts on proven, cost-effective regional clean energy solutions such as "closed loop" pumped storage #hydropower that provide massive economic development & support West Coast grid decarbonization goals using existing high-voltage transmission? #ActOnClimateNW
— Clean Power (@n8thans) November 14, 2017
We're working hard up and down the west coast with our @PCCleads partners to see how we can decarbonize together. Exploring all our options. #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/WSQuO3tp6z
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
.@GovInslee, what special role do state and local governments play in moving the needle on climate action? And Washington in particular? #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
States have been called the laboratories of democracy. We can put innovation to work to fight climate change in the ways that work best for us. #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/JLovioKJPn
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
Washington already has some of the nation's cleanest electricity - so we need to keep working hard to reduce emissions from transportation, especially by increasing the number of EVs in our state. #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
.@OregonGovBrown, what are your top climate priorities as governor? #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
And this is our last round of questions, so please feel free to add anything else you'd like! #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
In Oregon, tackling #climatechange begins by creating jobs to lift up our most vulnerable communities. We know that being good stewards of the environment and economic development are not mutually exclusive goals. #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/tN9lfPr48Y
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
Before heading to #COP23, I signed 2 executive orders that will move Oregon toward greater energy efficiency and expand our electric vehicle infrastructure. We aim to have 50,000 EVs on the road by 2020! #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
I am committed to accomplishing our greenhouse gas reduction goals while also growing Oregon's economy. #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 14, 2017
.@GovInslee, same question, and this is our last question. What are your top priorities on climate? #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
The recent election opened up a pathway to try to get something big done. We're looking at ways of putting a price on carbon pollution and how to put that money to work for our state. #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/1W253SIaKq
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
We live in the most beautiful corner of the world, and we're able to see some of climate change's effects first like an acidic Puget Sound. #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
We're the kind of people that know how to innovate, and we will be able to find the solutions to beat climate change. Innovation is in our DNA, and along with @OregonGovBrown we're going to keep leading. #ActOnClimateNW
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
Many thanks to @OregonGovBrown and @GovInslee for joining us live from #COP23 in Bonn, where it’s getting pretty late in the evening we imagine. Auf wiedersehen and safe travels! #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
And thanks to everyone for participating and for all you do to #actonclimateNW
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
Stay informed and get involved with state and local efforts to #actonclimateNW: Follow @climatesolution, @PCCLeads, @RenewOregon and @JobsCleanEnergy. Together we can create a path to #100percentclean energy!
— Climate Solutions (@climatesolution) November 14, 2017
Thank you for all your questions, we're working with partners around the world to beat climate change, together as we #ActOnClimateNW https://t.co/mD9gtvQXYg
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) November 14, 2017
Thank you, @climatesolution for this great live session. And big thanks to @OregonGovBrown and @GovInslee for your leadership on climate and for reminding everyone that now is the time to act. #ActOnClimateNW
— Renew Oregon (@RenewOregon) November 14, 2017
Great Twitter chat today at the #ActOnClimateNW hashtag. The Northwest's future is bright! To learn more about what Pacific Coast leaders are doing to confront #climatechange, see our first #COP23 statement: https://t.co/bzmjxkfCGB.
— PCC Leaders (@PCCleads) November 14, 2017
