I am writing to express my concern about the threat climate change poses to our country, to the country, and our/my future. Scientists agree and signs abound that climate change is occurring much faster than was initially predicted.
Scientists contributing to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have made it clear that cuts of at least 50 to 70 percent in global greenhouse gas emissions are needed to allow our climate to re-stabilize. Because of this we should be making every effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
I believe our members in Congress should actively be addressing/continue to actively address the issues below. I am also requesting that they provide information on what they, and the government as a whole, is doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the following areas:
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from coal fired power plants.
Reducing emissions from the transport sector.
Funding initiatives for alternative and renewable energy technology.
Incentives for the uptake of renewable energy.
Removal of subsidies for fossil based fuel sources.
To secure a future for our nation and generations to come, now is the time to ensure a positive direction for our national energy policies. These policies should lead our nation away from the continued use of fossil fuels.
Our continued use of fossil fuels harms human health, causes global warming, degrades land and marine ecosystems, and pollutes the earth. We need energy systems that provide clean, renewable, and reliable energy that does not threaten human health or the environment.
I understand that focusing on climate change is just one of many issues during these challenging times. However, strong action needed now to address the daunting issues and impacts that climate change poses to us as a country and the world as a whole.
Nathan Palmer
Centreville
6th grade, London Towne Elementary