Today’s Choices, Tomorrow’s World

We shouldn’t be surprised with the latest national youth poll that demonstrates that the generation that will inherit the worst impacts of global warming are ready to hold lawmakers accountable.

Two-thirds of likely voters between the ages of 18-29 say they will vote for Senators who take action on climate and clean energy legislation like that passed in the House of Representatives in June. And they see clean energy investment as the key to job creation – with 68% saying that “investing in renewable energy that creates jobs” should be an important priority for elected officials.

They get it. Their future is inextricably linked to the action – or inaction – of the U.S. Congress on climate and energy legislation. It’s this generation that will face extreme water shortages, impacts to food supplies, more frequent and devastating storms, the decline of wildlife, and a climate much different than the one I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy.

As the U.S. Global Change Research report notes, “Tipping points have already been reached and have lead to widespread changes… Future climate change and its impacts depend on choices made today.” America’s youth have a lot at stake and they mean business – they’re ready to hold lawmakers accountable. We should all follow their lead.