To the editor:

This week’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report highlights our dire situation. Having known about climate change for decades we have done precious little to turn the tide on this global problem. The onus of making a change for the better is on us — you and me.

We cannot wait for action at the international, federal or state level. We must recognize that decisions made locally everyday are as powerful or culpable as those made anywhere.

Decisions about how we design our community and live our lives impact the amount of carbon that is pumped into the atmosphere, paving the way for good or bad habits for decades to come.

This past weekend Bainbridge Island held events to reimagine “auto-centric” living, with transit designed for more than just cars. This is vitally important as the greenhouse gas inventory underway for our community will likely show transportation to be one of the largest contributors to our carbon footprint.

Let’s reduce our carbon emissions by creating a community where it is encourages, safe and easiest to walk, bike, roll or ride public transit to our destinations. Investment in multi-modal transit equally benefits those who drive by alleviating traffic, freeing up parking, reducing road risks and improving local air quality!

Vote for the SAFE Mobility Levy and work to encourage city council to make climate savvy decisions every day. Recognize that your role in solving the climate change problem begins locally. We should not let another opportunity to increase the livability of our island pass us by. If we can’t make climate smart decisions here on Bainbridge Island, where will they be made?

LARA HANSEN

Bainbridge Island