Opinion: Inspired by recent letters on climate change

Dear Editor,

I’m inspired by last week’s letters to the editor from atmospheric science student, Colin Evans, and from Marty Borko, who call us to take steps locally to mitigate climate change.

This week I attended a talk given by Natalie Mahowald, one of the lead authors of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on the Impacts of Global Warming of 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels. Dr. Mahowald is one of 91 scientists from 40 countries, all of who reviewed and agreed upon each line of this document. The consensus was that carbon emissions need to be net zero by 2050 and that urgent action is needed now to prevent devastating consequences of a business-as-usual scenario.  

Yes, the actions we must to take to adequately mitigate climate are challenging. But remember Joel Pett’s cartoon, “What if climate change is a hoax and we create a better world for nothing?” When we reduce air and water pollution, eat a whole food, plant-based diet, become energy independent with renewables, and create meaningful climate-smart jobs, we also reduce the worst impacts of climate change.

The trade-off, you say, is that our economy would tank. Is this true? How much would it tank with increasingly severe weather restoration? With ever-greater health care needs? With worldwide population relocation?

Regardless of whether our motivation is our own good or the common good, we can commit to working toward the same life-protecting goals. That which best serves our own health and wallets serves the future of all who follow.

Sincerely,

Gerri Wiley

Owego, N.Y.