By Josh McNeil

Just before the election, the United Nations. released a terrifying report about what kind of climate we will face in less than a generation. The U.N.’s experienced panel of climate experts determined that we have just 12 years to change our ways if we hope to avoid devastating droughts, mass human migrations, rampant wildfires, and global famine.

In Pennsylvania, we are already seeing the effects of climate change.

Western Pennsylvania has been particularly hard-hit in recent months by flooding caused by severe rain. Families have lost loved ones, homes, and possessions due to out of control floods. Philadelphia is getting hotter, wetter, and snowier, wreaking havoc across the city.

The report was no surprise to American youth, who already knew what too many elected leaders deny: if we don’t acknowledge and act on climate change now, it will be too late to undo the damage. Republican incumbents in Congress and in Pennsylvania’s General Assembly have had opportunity after opportunity to take action to stem the tide, and instead, have pushed an extreme anti-environment, anti-science agenda.

Pennsylvanians are tired of inaction. Polls leading up to the election consistently showed that Pennsylvanians are deeply concerned about climate change and the future of our environment. For young voters in particular--who came out in remarkable numbers on Election Day--climate change was number two issue in the state in every region.

For months, environmental organizations across Pennsylvania quietly worked to lift up some of the top pro-environment candidates running for the state Legislature and our investment paid off.

We got heavily involved in key races with candidates who prioritized clean water, clean air, and a healthy environment. We talked to more than 1 million Pennsylvania voters, the majority of whom expressed grave concern about the future of our planet.

On Nov. 6, voters sent a clear message that they will not support politicians who want to put big polluters’ profits ahead of clean drinking water, air, and land. In districts across the state, we saw voters stand with candidates who campaigned on holding polluters accountable, addressing the climate crisis, and protecting natural resources for all Pennsylvanians. In dozens of what were expected to be the most competitive races, our massive investment led to key wins by pro-environment candidates, including Governor Wolf, who was handily re-elected over climate-change denier Scott Wagner.

From the election of Lindsey Williams, Sara Innamorato, and Summer Lee in western Pennsylvania to Danielle Friel Otten, Chris Sappey, Melissa Shusterman, Tim Kearney, and Steve Santarsiero in the eastern part of the state, the results tell the same story: if you’re bad on the environment, we will hold you accountable.

For the past decade, the oil and gas industry has dominated Harrisburg with millions in campaign donations. Now, the candidates who reject oil and gas money, and who clearly put the interests of their constituents first, are the candidates who can win. Whether it’s gas wells being fracked near schools outside Pittsburgh, or pipelines being built through neighborhood backyards in Chester County, voters clearly responded to candidates who demanded public protection. Pennsylvania voters want candidates who put environmental justice at the top of the list.

Hopefully, it’s not too late.

Josh McNeil is the executive director of the advocacy group Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania. He writes from Philadelphia.