Climate change discussion aims to ‘Clear the Air’ Friday

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff Writer

Climate change can be a particularly divisive topic, so local forces are teaming up for a night of bipartisan discussion.

“Let’s Clear the Air: A Conversation about Climate, Energy and Jobs” will take place 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 at the Sandpoint Community Hall.

Bonner County Commissioner Glen Bailey and Bob Boeh of Idaho Forest Group will be part of a panel discussion regarding how climate change can be addressed across the political and faith spectrum. State Rep. Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay, who was originally advertised as being a part of the panel, had to cancel due to scheduling difficulties.

A climate scientist, a former business executive and an Audubon conservation manager will also be there, sharing presentations about the impacts of climate change, new energy solutions and economic policies that might mitigate climate and financial risk.

This is the culminating event of a 12-city “Water, Wind and Fire Tour” around western Washington and North Idaho, put on by Citizens Climate Lobby and Audubon Washington volunteers. Friday night’s theme is “Saving our Farms, Forests and Fish while Strengthening the Economy.”