"Outdoor lovers sue US government over climate change" - Washington Times, Oct. 22nd, 2018
Article Summary by Milana Baldizzi
In the Washington Times' article, it speaks of how recently the Animal Legal Defense Fund has sued the U.S Government and essentially forced them to face and target climate change. This lawsuit was brought about due to a similar case, put forth by young activists, being put on hold by the Supreme Court. This Lorax-esque group is put together by nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, scientists and researchers to advocate on behalf of the forests, animals, and the threats they face due to climate change, such as wildfires and mudslides. This lawsuit calls out the Department of Interior, Department of Agriculture and Defense, the Environmental Protection Agency, and many others. The article quotes the lawsuit, referring to outdoor adventure athlete Will Gadd, who "has witnessed melting ice and glaciers while climbing in conditions that are much more dangerous now than they were years ago when he first began climbing." Along with Will Gadd, speaks Michael Goetz, an Animal Defense Fund member from Portland, who recalls a recent backpacking trip where the smoke from the wildfires was so thick, he couldn't see his hands when he held them up in front of his face. This new lawsuit shows an advancement in the advocacy against climate change, and how more and more people and groups are stepping up. These lawsuits and these groups are calling upon the U.S Government to take action, and for good reason. Climate change is quite clearly a problem and will only worsen over time. If the government does not take action now in order to help prevent drastic consequences, the earth will no longer be able to sustain our population. This recent lawsuit put forth by the Animal Defense Fund will not only force politicians to take action, but will open the eyes of the average citizen and help further the realization that climate change is a threat to not just our planet, country, and land, but on a personal basis.