Students among those asking Nebraska legislators for recognition of climate crisis | Politics

LINCOLN — Lincoln student Alex Hamric pleaded with Nebraska lawmakers to, at a minimum, recognize the impacts of climate change, but the 14-year-old was doubtful that his words would hold any weight. 

Hamric was one of five individuals who, during a hearing Wednesday, advocated for the Natural Resources Committee to pass Legislative Resolution 102. The committee did not vote on the resolution. 

LR 102 asks that the Legislature acknowledge that the world is in a climate and ecological crisis that was caused humankind and that lawmakers have a moral obligation to take action to reduce the crisis. 

Hamric stated, “It’s the smallest step you can make in the right direction.” 

States At Risk, a project that studies the effects climate change across the U.S., projects that Nebraska will experience a 70% increase of widespread summer droughts by 2050. The state currently experiences an average of 15 days with dangerous temperatures each year. The average temperature in the state is expected rise to 40 by 2050. 

PRAIRIE Hill Learning Center students drafted LR 102 which was introduced in 2021 by State Senator Anna Wishart of Lincoln. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed a hearing on the resolution. Wishart stated that many of the students involved have graduated since then. 

Jordan Hope, teacher, said that the resolution was originally a class project on climate change and how laws can be made to mitigate it. She said that schoolwork was not enough to satisfy all students. 

Hope stated that it is not enough to make up fake resolutions and bills when real change is needed. 

Hamric, who was 12 years old when he first testified in front of senators, said that most lawmakers see this resolution as a learning opportunity for students and not a piece law. He stated that the majority of lawmakers won’t listen or even consider anyone younger than 25 years old.

Only Sen. John Cavanaugh, Omaha, asked any questions of the students from the eight-member committee. Cavanaugh asked Alex’s twin Willa Hamric for suggestions on how the Legislature could combat the crisis. Willa suggested that the state increase its wind energy potential, rather than relying on oil so heavily. 

Wishart pointed out that lawmakers are currently discussing how to allocate American Rescue Plan Act funding. This includes a proposal to use $150,000 for the update of a 2014 climate change report prepared by University of Nebraska scientists. 

Five people spoke in support LR 102. Although no one spoke in opposition to it, Sen. Bruce Bostelman from Brainard, chairperson of the Natural Resources Committee said that there were four written submissions in support and one in opposition. 

Wishart encouraged committee members to support the resolution as a way to support younger generations that will feel the heavier impacts of climate change.

Alex Hamric stated, “Give me the chance for a future.”