The Road to a Cleaner Future
Everyday Choices Drive Momentum Forward
HALEY LIM Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board & Logan Park Resident
Next time you’re sitting at a red light, look at the cars around you. It’s likely that an electric vehicle (EV) is nearby. A decade ago, EVs were rare curiosities. Today, data from the International Energy Agency indicates that nearly one in five cars is an electric vehicle. The reason this shift matters is clear. The Earth is warming, largely due to humangenerated carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels. For years, governments and companies worldwide have focused on solutions to combat climate change. But the fight is far from over. “Personally, this is a very real concern,” said Summit Park resident and climate advocate Sridhar Krishnan. “I’m originally from coastal southeast India, where rising temperatures and sea-level rise aren’t future concerns—they’re current realities affecting people and places I care about.” Now living in Issaquah, Sridhar is passionate about building resilience and shaping a better world for the next generation. He’s motivated by the belief that today’s decisions will define tomorrow’s world. Sridhar noted how public discourse often emphasizes climate disasters and missed goals, reinforcing a sense of crisis. While those concerns are valid, they can overshadow real progress. The challenge remains urgent, but the data reflects momentum as well as risk. One example is how automakers are pouring billions of dollars into EVs, not just to meet environmental regulations, but because of shifting economics. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that battery prices have fallen roughly 90% over the past 15 years, dramatically lowering production costs and making these vehicles competitive on price.
At the same time, the global energy landscape is transforming. Last year alone, the world added enough renewable energy capacity to power hundreds of millions of homes. Solar and wind now account for 91% of new U.S. power capacity added in the first half of 2025, according to data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). “This isn’t happening because environmentalists guilted everyone into it,” Sridhar said. “It’s happening because clean energy is now cheaper. In most places, building new solar or wind costs less than running old coal plants, let alone building new ones.” Sridhar pointed out that the business world is changing. Major corporations and investment firms are taking climate seriously, setting measurable targets and committing substantial funds to achieve them. Climate risk has moved from a niche concern to a central focus in the finance department.
A seventh grader at Pacific Cascade Middle School, she is dedicated to sharing information and helping others understand the consequences of inaction. “I first became interested in this topic in third grade when I learned how human actions affect animals, the Earth, and all life forms,” Anika said. “This issue is important for people my age because we can make the most difference. What we do now will shape the Earth’s conditions for future generations.” Through the discussion at Blakley Hall, Anika hopes to spotlight local sustainability efforts and inspire everyone to play a role in making a difference.
Join Us for Keep Issaquah Beautiful Day on April 18
“But here’s the catch: none of this means we’re done,” he said. “These trends are encouraging, but they’re not guaranteed to continue. The next 10 years matter enormously.” Economic trends are increasingly supporting climate solutions, and industries are accelerating their efforts. Real progress is underway, but it depends on continued action. Sridhar added that decisions made in the coming decade, from energy to transportation to infrastructure, will have long-term consequences. Progress creates opportunity, and our community has the chance to push it further. Simple habits like taking public transportation, reducing energy use and conserving water make a difference over time. Participating in sustainability events and community discussions can also strengthen that collective effort and keep the momentum going. In honor of Earth Day, Sridhar will lead a community discussion focused on advancing local and global climate solutions at Blakely Hall on Thursday, April 23, from 6:30–8 p.m. All neighbors are encouraged to attend the free event. Daphne Park resident Anika Iyer will join the discussion to outline the steps Issaquah is taking to strengthen citywide resilience and prepare for future environmental challenges.
One simple way to spark change is by volunteering for community clean-up efforts. Roll up your sleeves and join the annual citywide clean-up in honor of Earth Day on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. Check-in at Blakely Hall and spend a couple of hours making a difference. Pizza will be provided afterward, courtesy of Highlands Fiber Network! Sign up to participate. Want to help us clean around the community? Scan the QR code or visit issaquahhighlands.com/ events to sign up.
ISSAQUAHHIGHLANDS.COM
51