Some action items already underway
Switching to energy-saving appliances for heating and cooling. Building a water bank to preserve water for local agriculture. Adding charging stations for electric vehicles. Planting more trees in Twisp.
These are just a few of the programs already underway to lessen the impacts of climate change on the local level.
Resilient Methow, a community organization dedicated to equity and climate solutions and the well-being of future generations, held its first update on the Methow Climate Action Plan at a virtual forum in October. The plan was released a year ago.
What can I do?
Learn more about how to make a difference by listening to Leah Stokes’ podcast, “A Matter of Degrees.” The three-part mini-series “What Can I Do?” highlights ways to make a difference personally, professionally and politically.
Information about opportunities for rebates and other financial assistance, and summaries of legislation are on the Resilient Methow website at www.resilientmethow.org. There is also a link to the October forum on the website.
Keynote speaker Leah Stokes, an associate professor of environmental politics who helped write the climate provisions that were included in the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), described practical ways for individuals to make lasting structural changes to address climate impacts.
“This is exactly what we need more of in the world,” Stokes said, applauding the valley for creating its own climate action plan. Stokes acknowledged how easy it can be to feel overwhelmed by the immensity and gravity of climate change. But she offered suggestions for turning even small individual experiences into lasting action.
It’s important to see ourselves not only as individuals and consumers, but also as members of the society at large, Stokes said. “It’s not about self-purification,” she said. “We should do things in our own lives that make us feel aligned with our values, like trying to reduce the amount of waste we create; maybe trying to eat more of a plant-based diet …. But that can’t be the end of our work.”
The IRA includes tax rebates up to $4,000 are available over two years to help pay for the switch from gas-fueled appliances to energy-efficient electric heating and cooling systems, such as heat pumps. There’s also money for insulation and upgrading wiring.
Heat pumps move hot air in and out as needed and use very little energy, whereas fossil fuels make heat by burning, which is very inefficient and creates a lot of waste, Stokes said.
Another program in the IRA provides up to $14,000 for lower-income people to weatherize and electrify their homes. The law also includes rebates of about $4,000 on new or used electric vehicles.
Modern homes are, in essence, mini fossil-fueled power plants, Stokes said. Not only can people reduce the cost of installing energy-saving equipment, but these appliances are typically less expensive to operate.
People trying to be diligent about reducing their use of plastic can easily feel discouraged by all the plastic packaging. In addition to bringing your own reusable containers, Stokes suggested talking to merchants about switching to non-plastic packaging or advocating for laws that limit the use of plastics or reduce the cost of solar-power systems.
Get involved
Attend a Climate Action Happy Hour
When and where: Tuesday, Nov. 29, 4-6 p.m., Twisp Valley Grange, free.
RSVP required: Link on Methow Conservancy website under events at https://methowconservancy.org.
Join Resilient Methow and the Methow Conservancy for an active, participatory event where people can brainstorm climate resiliency actions with fellow community members over beer or seltzer and snacks.
Facilitators will provide climate action resources and a blueprint for determining what types of engagement are a good fit. The goals is for every person to leave the event with at least one meaningful step they will take to combat climate change or build resilience, plus a network of comrades.
Old Schoolhouse Brewery is providing their Clear the Haze IPA, which was brewed to support the work of Resilient Methow.
“Changing infrastructure in your own life is structural change,” Stokes said. And it’s structural change that lasts, because the machines remain in the house even if you move.
Seven climate goals
Development of a climate plan for the Methow started several years ago, when hundreds of local residents came together to identify priorities to withstand the impacts of a changing climate. As the climate changes, the Methow Valley can expect less water; hotter weather, which will have impacts on farming, forests and wildlife; and accompanying economic pressures.
Those early meetings produced seven goals: preserving water, ensuring healthy natural systems, preparing for wildfires and adversity, an efficient and affordable built environment, a thriving place-based economy, vibrant agriculture, and a carbon-neutral valley.
Since its completion last year, the plan hasn’t just sat on the shelf, said plan lead facilitator Marc Daudon. At the forum, representatives from Resilient Methow provided an overview of initiatives already underway that can make a difference.
Among those initiatives: The Methow Watershed Council has helped quantify water use from household wells to help plan for long-term water availability. Okanogan County and the Okanogan Conservation District are developing a local water bank to keep water in the county that will be available for farming.
The Methow Beaver Project is working on ways to modernize beaver management in light of the crucial role beavers play in preserving healthy watersheds. Fire Adapted Methow Valley has helped find funding for communities around the valley to reduce wildfire risk.
The Methow Housing Trust is building homes in Winthrop and Twisp designed to have a low-carbon footprint.
Valley residents and organizations are switching to more efficient appliances. The Okanogan County Electric Co-operative provided rebates for heat pumps. The Methow Valley Citizens Council has a grant from the state Department of Ecology to allow income-eligible households to replace old woodstoves with new, non-polluting models. The Twisp Valley Grange is installing two heat pumps.
The Twisp Tree Board got a grant of more than $7,000 for new trees for Twisp. The tree-canopy project is being done in conjunction with Classroom in Bloom, where first graders will plant trees next year and tend them over seven years, when the trees will be transplanted in town.
People with ideas for climate projects can get help in setting concrete goals and obtaining grants from the Resilient Methow implementation hub. Contact info@resilientmethow.org.
Local activism is the lifeblood of the movement to address climate change, Stokes said. “We need people like you in every corner of this county — and every corner of this planet,” she said.
