It Is Happening …

Climate change is undeniable.  It is happening.  It is real.  It is a concerning crisis for every generation of Americans, not just one or the other.

Several strategies come to mind in addressing how we can best approach the actions we need to take across the nation to combat this rising threat to our quality of life in this country:

• Strengthened policies and regulation: Enacting and enforcing rational and appropriate policies and regulations at local, national, and international levels to limit greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable practices, and support the transition to a low-carbon economy will pay dividends to a nation that needs greater attention to climate change.

• Greater education and public awareness: It will be necessary to raise awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change and encourage individuals and communities to take action through education, outreach, and advocacy.  It will also be necessary to tamp down the misinformation that is being baselessly promoted by climate change deniers.

• More climate resilience: America must develop and adopt innovative strategies to address the impacts of climate change, such as building resilient infrastructure, improving water management, and enhancing disaster preparedness.

• We must transition to renewable energy:  By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels by investing in and promoting renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power, we can significantly and favorably protect our environment and reduce our energy costs.

• Do not forsake fossil fuel sources:  It is critically important to the success of this transition to renewable energy that we do not turn our backs on the energy resources that have provided for our energy needs this past century.  Technologies are available to make these fossil fuel sources cleaner and more acceptable by motivating our energy producers to prioritize cleaner fossil fuel production and more widely adopted renewable energy sources.

• Improved energy efficiency:  Reducing overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions will improve American energy efficiency in transportation, building construction, appliances, industry, and manufacturing.

• Protecting and restoring ecosystems:  Preserving and restoring our forests, wetlands, and other vital ecosystems that can absorb CO2 from the atmosphere by acting as carbon sink-like are essential to a successful climate change combating strategy.

• Sustainable agriculture: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices where practical, such as agroforestry, crop rotation, reclaimed water usage, organic farming, and similar initiatives, will reduce emissions from land use while improving soil health.

• Transportation systems: Investing in public transportation, promoting greater use of electric and hybrid vehicles, and encouraging walking and cycling will help reduce emissions from the current transportation system.

• Carbon pricing: Implementing carbon pricing mechanisms such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems to incentivize businesses and individuals to reduce emissions is essential to addressing climate change in America and worldwide.

• International cooperation: This leads to the need for better collaboration with other countries to establish and set more ambitious emissions reduction targets, share technology and expertise, and provide more comprehensive support to vulnerable nations who are also essential players in reducing the impact of climate change in our communities.

Any and all of these initiatives could and would reduce the type of emissions that sorely impact our environment. They would help build greater resilience for combating climate change and safeguarding the planet for current and future generations.