Press Release
Posted:
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), alongside students from Napa Schools For Climate Action, announced House Concurrent Resolution 46 which formally recognizes Congress’ duty to ensure a healthy climate for future generations.
"As the impacts of climate change continue to affect communities across our nation, it is more critical than ever that we take bold action to protect our planet and future generations," said Rep. Thompson. "This resolution sends a clear message that the Congress must prioritize climate restoration and work to ensure a sustainable future. Thank you to my colleagues and Napa Schools for Climate Action for collaborating on this resolution."
"Receiving the opportunity to facilitate collaboration between local student climate leaders and the Office of Congressman Mike Thompson has not only been a great privilege, but it has also alleviated immense climate anxiety that weighs on my shoulders every day. Climate Restoration offers a path to achieving true sustainability, and implementing it simultaneously alongside efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption is a clear way to protect both our planet and our future. I look forward to witnessing this project grow as our team continues dedicating hard effort toward growing the support for our initiative," said Liliana Karesh, President of Napa Schools for Climate Action.
“The Climate Restoration Resolution ushers in a new paradigm for addressing the climate crisis, one that not only prevents the worst-case scenario but also revitalizes our communities and economy in the long term. Restoring our atmosphere through natural processes, while continuing to pursue emissions reductions, is the solution we have been searching for. As a young person and leader of Napa Schools for Climate Action, working on this resolution and watching its support grow from a district to a national level has renewed my hope for a sustainable future,” said Sophie Wassef, Co-Vice President of Napa Schools for Climate Action.
"Reducing emissions, even if it's done quickly, is no longer enough to stop the destructive impacts underway as a result of legacy heat-trapping pollution. Restoring atmospheric CO2 to safe, preindustrial levels is now a crucial complement to achieving net zero GHG emissions goals. I'm very grateful for student leaders who persistently call on our elected officials to face the hard truths of the climate emergency, and for this Resolution that affirms that Congress is committed to doing all that's necessary to restore a safe and healthy climate for them," said Jim Wilson of Napa Climate NOW!.
This House resolution, written in collaboration with Napa Schools For Climate Action, urges efforts to restore CO2 to pre-industrial levels—below 300 ppm—by removing one trillion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere over the next 20 years. It highlights the need to prioritize natural carbon sequestration methods while also investing in emerging technologies to help achieve this urgent goal. Achieving this goal is essential to securing intergenerational climate justice, as young people will bear the brunt of the current climate breakdown.