While surveying the charred remains of Paradise, Calif., President Donald Trump responded that this latest devastation did not change his skeptical views on climate change, adding: “I want great climate.” Yes, indeed, we all want “great climate,” but along with the majority of the world’s leading scientists, most of the world’s inhabitants realize that it will take more than wishful thinking and a rake to improve the real threat of climate change.

Scientific evidence clearly supports that climate change is exacerbating California’s wildfires, along with increasing other violent weather events. Recently, the world’s leading scientists issued a report warning of “total planetary dystopia” unless immediate and serious steps are taken to reduce carbon emissions.

We can mitigate some of the damage we have already created by voting in political leaders who will take science seriously and who will reject fossil fuel money, and by urging our politicians to take immediate action. Last week, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, H.R. 7173 was introduced. This bipartisan act will reduce America’s carbon pollution and help bring climate change under control. The money collected from the carbon fee will be allocated in equal shares every month to the American people. Please contact your representatives and urge them to support this act. Our lives depend on it.

Cynthia Kirsch
Edgewood

First Published: December 7, 2018, 5:00 a.m.