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Air Quote by Jay Inslee

“Air is one we hold in common; it has a limited carrying capacity for pollutants and that's being used up by those who pollute the atmosphere. So we have to stop that externality. We would never allow a utility to put their coal slag in a dump truck and back it up to the city park and dump it in…” quote by Jay Inslee
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“Air is one we hold in common; it has a limited carrying capacity for pollutants and that's being used up by those who pollute the atmosphere. So we have to stop that externality. We would never allow a utility to put their coal slag in a dump truck and back it up to the city park and dump it in unlimited amounts for free. But that is exactly what we do with carbon dioxide and methane.”

Jay Inslee

About This Quote

Source Speech: Climate Action Address, Washington Governor, 2019

Human activity exceeds Earth's ability to absorb pollutants, demanding immediate reduction of emissions.

In simple terms: Pollution exceeds Earth's capacity, so we must cut emissions.

Key Takeaway

Act now to limit emissions.

Themes

environment policy public health responsibility

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

policy advocacy

When to use this quote

  • government regulation
  • industrial practices
  • urban planning
  • public awareness

Key Concepts

externalities carrying capacity climate change

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance growth with ecological limits?
  • What incentives can reduce industrial emissions?
A Different Perspective

Economic costs may hinder rapid policy changes.

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