Why it Matters that 2020 is Almost Here

CLCV Chief Executive Officer Sarah Rose addresses the attendees of the June 27 CLCV Environmental Leadership Awards in San Francisco:

As this is June and the end of the school year for most students, I was proud to attend the promotion ceremony for my oldest daughter from elementary school. Next year she enters middle school, and then a few more years and she’ll be off to high school as a member of the graduating class of 2020. 

That the year 2020 is nearly upon us is a reminder of the urgency of our work.  My daughters, your children – all of California’s young people will be inheriting the environmental legacy that we are creating today. That motivates and drives me to do more and I know that it moves many of you to continue fighting for clean air and clean water and a healthy environment, and the economic opportunities that will support a sustainable environment. 

As I look ahead to the future, it’s clear to me that the greatest challenge we – and our children – all face is climate change.  President Obama said as much in his speech on climate change this week, during which he announced an ambitious plan to cut carbon pollution. He called on all of us to act, saying, “What we need in this fight are citizens who will stand up, and speak up, and compel us to do what this moment demands.”­ 

I think he is talking about us.

Here in California we are used to leading the way on these tough challenges.  Many of the policies put forward by the President were born here in California – and in some cases came from the talented people here in this room.  We’ve always been on the cutting edge of new ideas, new technologies, and new approaches.

We’ve already achieved great change here in our state – but we’re nowhere near the finish line.  We need to stand up, speak up and keep pushing ahead to the next innovation. Our country needs California’s ingenuity and political leadership to tackle the challenges of climate change. 

We need elected officials who understand the urgency and necessity of addressing climate change, and that their action on this issue is a prerequisite for our support and our votes. 

We’ll also need strong partnerships that will make our voices louder and our goals more achievable.  We can’t take on this fight alone.  We need to stand together.  

We want to partner with you to ensure that California’s environmental majority has the tools and ability to make their voices heard and their votes matter.

Partnerships are the overarching theme of our event.  In the room tonight, we’ve brought together many partners of the environmental community: political leaders, organized labor, staff and board members of environmental groups, investors in renewable energy, business leaders who recognize the importance of conservation, and individuals who hold a common interest in the environmental health of California. 

We’re also honoring great partnerships tonight with our Environmental Leadership Awards. 

  • Steve Blank and Alison Elliott are innovators, partners, and tireless advocates for the environmental community. 
  • Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins is leading an effort to build an inclusive clean energy economy – and bringing new partners to our table. 
  • Jim and Becky Morgan represent a partnership that encompasses years of entrepreneurship, public service, and philanthropic leadership. 

We honor and recognize the accomplishments of all our honorees tonight.    

Last but not least, let us not forget that in the fight for environmental causes, all Californians are partners.  All Californians who want clean air, clean water, and clean land are environmentalists, and a partner in our movement. 

That’s why, when I watched my daughter take her next big step into middle school, I felt optimistic about her future and ours. 

Because that is what is at stake.  We owe it to our children to take up this fight; to pass on blue skies, rushing rivers, pebbled beaches and places to play.

This won’t be easy, but we have strong partnerships that will help see us through this fight – and we at the CA League of Conservation Voters are committed to being the nexus that connects us all together.  

Thank you joining us and being our partners. We honor all of you for your leadership tonight.

Posted on June 28, 2013
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The month of March is Public Lands Month, and we’ve got some big goals. We’re pushing for 5 national monument designations while fighting for clean water, Indigenous land protection, ecosystem conservation, and increasing access to nature. 

But we need your help to make these campaigns a success →