The city of Langley is convening a new volunteer-led committee focusing on confronting climate change and is looking for interested members to join.

Following a city council meeting in May where members of United Student Leaders — a coalition of South Whidbey High School students — encouraged the council to declare a climate emergency, the council agreed on the formation of an ad-hoc committee dedicated to addressing the issue.

Two of the students from the USL group, Claire Philp and Maggie Nattress, were invited to be part of the new committee. Retired climate scientist Richard Gammon and climate change activist Derek Hoshiko are also joining it, as well as Councilmember Peter Morton.

Morton, who intends to serve as the liaison for the committee for the duration of his term on the city council, said there are still three or four positions left that are up for grabs.

An informational meeting will be held 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19 through Zoom, in which city leaders will discuss the requirements for serving on the committee and how to apply for a position on it.

“Clearly, with today’s circumstances, it’s time to really get serious and decide what Langley will do with its municipal footprint and what it will do with its community footprint,” Morton said.

Currently, the new committee has a temporary shelf life, although its members could recommend that the city council consider making it a permanent committee.

Members need not be from Langley to join the ad-hoc committee.

Anyone from South Whidbey may join.