On Monday, August 12th, the "I Will Act On Climate" bus tour kicked off an east coast swing with a press conference in Bangor, Maine. A diverse set of Maine voices advocated for action on climate change, including climate scientists, clean energy business voices and a representative from the EPA. Doctor William Horner opened the press conference by comparing the earth to a patient visiting a doctor's office and describing the symptoms it's feeling:
"A fever running above 120. Sweats so bad it feels like drowning. Violent effects result. The diagnosis is clear and no one is denying it."
"I am here because I am a grandfather," Dr. Horner went on. "And I want my grandchildren to live a happy and health life. As a doctor, I know the effects of pollution and of climate change are putting that at risk."
Dylan Voorhees, of Natural Resources Council of Maine, highlighted actions already being taken by Mainers, citing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and two state senators came out of the crowd to give quick remarks of support. "For me, this is the issue of our time," State Senator Geoff Gratwick said.