"Hardened Northwest residents have learned a basic truth: Gray is beautiful." That’s Joel Connelly in today’s column in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Damp and dismal winters are the conditions that make possible our region’s abundant rivers, forests, and farms.

Connelly describes two local characteristics of climate change: receding mountain glaciers and tree-killing insect infestations in BC’s forests. And he also points to some encouraging political leadership in the region, even if progress at the federal level is sluggardly. Definitely worth a read.