Changing light bulbs, driving less, and using energy efficient appliances are steps in the right direction.
(SALEM, Ore.) - I am a local student who is concerned about global warming and its potential devastating impacts. More and more science is showing us that human action is causing climate change and we must act now to protect our future. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change tells us that by acting now, the worst impacts of global warming can still be avoided.
As the Earth’s largest polluter, the U.S. has an obligation to reduce the amount of global warming emissions we dump into the atmosphere. It is our responsibility to preserve a sustainable way of life and secure a livable future for many generations to come. Our children and grandchildren do not deserve to inherit environmental despair that threatens their livelihood because of our negligence.
I am thrilled about the individual choices my friends, family and other local Salem citizens are making to do their part to combat global warming. I see people choosing energy efficient appliances, changing driving habits or even switching to more fuel-efficient vehicles. Each of us will continue to become more energy responsible, but I do not believe that will be enough to put a halt to global warming. As local citizens and businesses are making changes, they are demanding that their government do its part also. Constituents are speaking out by signing petitions and writing letters to their representatives. This urgent matter deserves full commitment from our representatives in Congress to truly make a difference.
Local campaigners Kurt Schrader-(D) and Mike Erickson-(R) are currently running to replace Darlene Hooley in Oregon's fifth district. Each have made many promises during their campaign, but both have failed to propose what they intend to do about the biggest environmental crisis of our time.
Reducing harmful emissions that contribute to global warming is not a partisan issue. Representatives in Washington from both sides of the aisle have expressed their concerns with the issue; it is time that someone shows some initiative and commits to a legitimate plan. We must stop building dirty, dangerous nuclear and coal fired plants and implement clean, renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Changing light bulbs, driving less, and using energy efficient appliances are steps in the right direction. I need to know my local representatives in Congress are committed to taking action on this issue. In the upcoming months prior to the election, I would like to hear what Kurt Schrader and Mike Erickson are going to do to protect the health of our community and future generations...I know that I am not alone.
Letter to Editor Addresses Environmental Concerns Among Students
Salem-News.com