Most people want to see action to address global warming. There are policy proposals that will significantly reduce human greenhouse gas emissions, benefit the economy and most households, and put our country on track to lead in 21st century energy technologies. Nearly any policy that reduces fossil fuel use will also lead to cleaner air, purer water, and greater protection of property rights.
There is a small but loud minority who deny we are causing climate change or claim it will be too costly to address. Studies into what causes denial of basic science point to group-think and personal bias. As Upton Sinclair noted, “It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.”
We know that other than for workers in the fossil fuel industry, or those with large investments in fossil fuel reserves or infrastructure, those fears are unfounded when a good climate action policy is considered. Carbon Fee and Dividend is one such beneficial policy. According to an independent study by Regional Economic Modeling Inc., this proposal will create 2.8 million jobs, save over 230,000 lives, and reduce emissions by 50 percent within 20 years, while allowing two thirds of households to break even or come out ahead financially.
It is time to stop giving equal time to nay-sayers, start acting on what we know through science, and pick a policy that will benefit us all now, as well as our children and theirs future.
John Gage
Windham