The consequences of rising temperatures and warming oceans are affecting Alaska communities, ecosystems, food supplies and our economy right now, but they will be far worse for the next generation of Alaskans. Young and old are rising up to demand solutions. Climate change is not a Republican or a Democrat issue, it is a human issue.
Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe visited Anchorage last week, addressing how Alaskans can meet our energy needs while at the same time tackling climate change and respecting the Bible’s teachings to care for the less fortunate and care for our planet. (You can catch her address on Alaska Public Media on Sep. 24.)
The most systematic and economically feasible solution to addressing our climate is to put a fee on carbon emissions. Charging a fossil fuel fee, and returning that revenue to households as a dividend, would create a chain of positive effects and encourage energy innovations. Cleaner sources of energy will become more competitive, and the dividend will create millions of jobs, while reducing air pollution, thus saving tens of thousands lives.
Make your concerns heard by calling or writing Rep. Don Young, Sen. Dan Sullivan and Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Ask them to join a bipartisan House or Senate Climate Caucus and to support the “Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act” (H.R. 763 and S. 3791, presently in committees). Let’s all work together for solutions that ensure a livable world for our future generations.
— Annie Ronsse
Anchorage
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