"I think we are living in a generation that is being tested by our own twin significant challenges, global climate change and the coming demographic tidal wave. These two burdens (or opportunities) are not as clearly defined as depression or war, but they too will determine our future. We will either get these issues right -- and have something to tell our grandchildren about -- or we will pass along growing environmental disasters and financial implosions.

I don't want to be gloomy about this. This country has the capacity to deal with both these issues. But we need to make them a part of our thinking on issues big and small. It's one of the reasons why the mayor's proposal to increase the city's tree canopy makes so much sense. This is a long-range solution, something that we can do individually to contribute to the greater good. (It's easy to blame the Amazon for losing tree cover and yet hard to look in our backyard.)

What if our debate started with the grand challenges? Then we could focus on smaller solutions. Perhaps, then, we could ask regularly how will our decisions make it easier to manage climate change? What financial resources will be required when a smaller work force will need to support an older population?"

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Mark Trahant: Viaduct issue requires full debate (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 9/24)

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