April 22 marks the 50th Earth Day, dedicated to the protection of Earth. Since the first Earth Day, millions have pursued that goal.
Earth’s greatest current threat is climate change. We are currently gripped by a pandemic threatening humanity, interrupting our lives and economy. Climate change is disrupting our lives also.
We must address COVID-19 for our safety, our families’ and our community’s. The climate catastrophe presents a similar threat. We’ve witnessed destruction of the creations of humanity and the planet’s natural wonders as a result of extreme climate events. The pandemic is threatening but in the long run climate change is a greater threat.
Some strategies applied to the coronavirus can be applied to climate change. Paying attention to the expertise of scientists about the sources, the spread of each problem, and potential solutions is crucial. The sooner we solve the problems the less impact they will have.
“Flattening the curve” reduces the spread of the virus. We must also “flatten the curve” of CO2 released into the atmosphere. The pandemic is detrimental to our economy as is climate change.
The U.S. Energy Innovation, Carbon Dividend Act (HR-763) offers a first step to address climate change while the dividend to U.S. households in the act will help stimulate the economy.
Andrew ZeilerBayfield
