Earlier this month, I had the privilege of joining Sen. Lisa Murkowski on an afternoon hike with fellow young Alaskans to discuss energy, climate, the environment, as well as our thoughts on our state’s future. Our diverse group included a petroleum engineer, an Indigenous fisheries researcher, an environmental scientist, and young climate leaders from across the political spectrum, representing the full tapestry of Alaska.
We all agreed: Addressing climate change is paramount, and Alaska is uniquely experiencing its impacts, and it’s up to the nation’s leaders to advance solutions that address the core of this challenge. Moreover, we all agreed that we need lasting solutions, in the form of bipartisan legislation, to effectively address these issues for generations to come.
It was so heartening to hear that she is working hard to do this and on multiple fronts. From advocating for increased renewable energy to ensuring that our state and the Arctic region are best prepared to combat climate change, I’m grateful for the senator’s continued leadership on myriad topics.
Excitingly, the day after our hike, Murkowski published a commentary in the ADN, calling for environmental action and outlining solutions she’s pursuing. Her piece focuses on oceans, fisheries, and conservation, but I know from our recent conversation she’s also taking on foreign pollution, domestic mining, and advocating for American energy independence.
I am so proud and grateful to be represented by Murkowski. Our country’s future may be uncertain, but I know young people can have confidence in her. I hope more of our leaders follow Murkowski’s lead and help us actually solve the climate challenge.
— Anna Kardashyan
Anchorage
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