To most residents of Southwest Colorado, the infestation of spruce beetles has been obvious for years. I have driven Wolf Creek Pass 100 times or more in the last 10 years; I’m sure others have driven it more. I have watched with distress as the beautiful green forest turned gray.
Backpacking the Pine River into the Weminuche, I was struck at how beetles have wiped out the forest on the ridge west of the river heading toward Vallecito Reservoir. The reason for this rampant infestation in our beautiful forests is no mystery. Winters lack sufficient cold weather to kill off the beetles.
According to NASA, 2016 was the fifth year in the last 12 when the global heat record has been broken. They also assert that, “Multiple studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals show that 97 percent or more of actively publishing climate scientists agree: Climate-warming trends over the past century are extremely likely due to human activities.”
The infestation is one of many natural consequences of global warming. Being responsible, it is our obligation to act to reverse it. Citizens’ Climate Lobby proposes a market-based fee and dividend policy which many climate scientists agree is the best first step to address climate change. Many economists agree that a market-based solution could achieve significant reduction in carbon emissions, while spurring development in a new, more efficient, energy industry.
I urge Rep. Tipton to join the bipartisan House Climate Solutions Caucus. He can find out why his fellow Republicans feel this is a worthwhile enterprise.
To my fellow citizens, I urge you to be mindful of your carbon consumption and join CCL, Great Old Broads for Wilderness and the San Juan Citizens’ Alliance. All are addressing climate change in meaningful ways.
Andrew Zeiler
Bayfield
