Letter to the editor:

The first time I became aware of the climate change crisis was in the early 1990s, when I wrote a paper for a master’s degree program about the impact of atmospheric warming.  At the time, I was quite confident that Congress would deal forcefully with this threat.  It was a bipartisan issue if there ever was one, and the consequences of inaction were just too frightening to consider. 

Looking back now, it’s hard to believe how little we’ve done to address this crisis in the last 25 years. In fact, since the 2016 election, America has taken several giant steps backwards, with our current President dismantling almost every major environmental program and withdrawing the United States from the world’s climate change treaty.  How could we fail so much to protect the world our children and grandchildren will inherit?

Skeptics claim this threat is unproven and that strong action would adversely impact our economy.  But a consensus of the world’s scientists have long maintained that atmospheric warming is all too real, and economists say we definitely can reduce carbon emissions while maintaining a strong economy.  In fact, green industries offer us a chance to create the kind of high-quality employment our citizens badly need. 

For those who believe as I do, the only recourse appears to be at the ballot box.  In November, we can go to the polls and support candidates who support strong environmental protection.  It’s no exaggeration to say that the future livability of our planet is at stake.

Mark Hodges

Athens