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| As part of the Seafair Air Show, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform aerial maneuvers over boats in Lake Washington that are anchored to a log boom |
As We Confront the Climate Crisis, Highly Polluting Airshows Should Become a Relic of the Past
It's time to have the courage of a mother, Seattle.
This summer, amidst various pressing concerns, Seattle residents are anxiously anticipating the arrival of smoke season and wondering if fall birthday parties can still be held outdoors. Preparations are being made for potential indoor activities to keep children entertained during extended periods of confinement. Parents are contemplating the air quality index (AQI) at which masks should be worn while visiting playgrounds. Amidst it all, a mother is determined to squeeze in more swim sessions before the smoke engulfs the city.
News consumption is kept in check, as it often brings a mix of anger and sorrow. Last year's ongoing wildfires in Canada continue to blaze, and the collapsing Gulf Stream is a stark reminder of the "era of global boiling" that has commenced.
Given this reality, some are questioning the relevance of celebrating Seafair with the traditional and polluting airshows of the Blue Angels. While these airshows have been a source of entertainment since 1946, the context has shifted dramatically, with the climate crisis, disappearing salmon runs, and receding glaciers dominating headlines. Outdated forms of entertainment like the Blue Angels are viewed as further exacerbating contemporary issues.
Critics argue that these airshows glorify the U.S. military-industrial complex, known as the world's largest polluter. Award-winning journalist Christopher Cook points out that the airshows consume substantial amounts of fossil fuels and taxpayer funds, adding extra emissions to an already polluted environment.
As Seattle strives to become a city free of climate pollutants, hosting airshows with their associated impacts on air quality becomes increasingly incompatible. The presence of airshows drops contaminants on the land, affecting Tribal communities and urban gardens alike.
With ongoing struggles against poor air quality and mounting health concerns, the city cannot afford the environmental and health consequences of airshows. This outdated form of entertainment clashes with Seattle's 2019 Green New Deal Resolution, which aims for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
The issue also extends to the broader context of climate lawsuits, with children holding adults accountable for their actions through legal proceedings across the country. Community members near Sea-Tac airport are suing for toxic plane pollution, and Montana's Climate Kids are courageously taking action. The question arises: can Seattle join the ranks and confront the implications of continuing with airshows?
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| About every 90 to 180 seconds, planes fly above the Seattle area of Beacon Hill, with most of them coming and going from SeaTac. The Blue Angel planes are often very low here as they pass overhead. (Linda Hanlon) |
We must all consider the well-being of future generations and alter our course accordingly. Just as it would have meant so much to us to witness our parents standing up for our right to clean air, we, as mothers, build our courage bit by bit through the daily challenges we face. Parenting requires constant bravery as we encounter rejections, criticism, and differing opinions on our decisions regarding our children's lives.
It is precisely this reservoir of small daily acts of bravery that we need to channel into the political arena. Let us take action by signing petitions, participating in the Veterans for Peace and Extinction Rebellion events on August 5th and 6th, and contacting Mayor Bruce Harrell to call for the cancellation of airshows. We can envision a new Seafair—one that not only celebrates but also actively contributes to clean air. Together, let us embrace a vision of new freedom.
As you reflect on these thoughts, consider a quote from a timeless children's book: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not." - The Lorax
With heartfelt love, Seattle: Unless.
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