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BOZEMAN, Mont. – Worries about wildfires, snowpack levels, earlier snowmelt dates and drier summers are uniting Montanans for 13 rallies across the state on Saturday, in a campaign called Montanans for Climate Solutions.
Bozeman Deputy Mayor Carson Taylor says there are more than 80 local governments, organizations, tribes and businesses backing the day's events.
"Climate change is an important issue that we have to, all of us, pay attention to," says Taylor, "and this is the month to call it out and hopefully, move forward with some action that will make a difference in the long run."
Taylor is speaking at a rally at Bozeman's Soroptomist Park Saturday afternoon. Additional rallies are scheduled in Bigfork, Billings, Columbia Falls, Great Falls, Hamilton, Helena, Kalispell, Lame Deer, Missoula, Pablo, Red Lodge and Whitefish.
Taylor says he wants every person and community to assess their actions and the effect on carbon pollution, and predicts that momentum can bring change to those who manage the biggest sources of pollution – such as coal-burning power plants.
"Once you get the individuals and local governments doing that," says Taylor, "we can say, 'We're doing everything we can. You've got to step up now.'"
Area farmers are also due to speak at several of this weekend's events, to testify about altered seasons, the greater frequency of extreme weather, and how these phenomena affect agriculture.
