The Urgency to Limit Climate Change Supersedes Politics

See also: UN Sustainable Development Goal #13

Letter to Editor by Betsy Lawson, Morgantown Dominion Post, Sunday, July 25, 2021

It’s not often a West Virginian has the power to make a profound impact on the world, but Sen. Manchin is in that position now. With two huge bills coming up (infrastructure and the social/environmental bills), we have a unique, maybe final opportunity to do something about climate change.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: “Species extinction, more widespread disease, unlivable heat, ecosystem collapse, cities menaced by rising seas and other devastating climate impacts are accelerating and bound to become painfully obvious before a child born today turns 30.” We are seeing this today. Look at the heat dome over the West Coast or the never-before-seen flooding in Germany, among many other places.

Sen. Manchin must stop seeking McConnell’s approval and focus on legislation that serves West Virginians. This would be paid for by restoring the corporate tax rate to the pre-2017 level of 28%. Catching corporate tax dodgers would also help pay for these vital investments. Responding to climate change (extreme weather, if you prefer) must happen now.

Our future depends on passing legislation that protects our democracy, ends the climate crisis and revitalizes our economy. Waiting on Republican politicians is no longer an option — Mitch McConnell has already made clear that he is not seeking bipartisanship. However, here in West Virginia, there are already conversations happening in a bipartisan way, particularly when it comes to more federal investment in all kinds of infrastructure. Sen. Manchin must vote with the people and let West Virginia be the state that makes the difference for a better world.

>>> Concerned resident, Betsy Lawson, Morgantown

See also: UNITED NATIONS GOAL 13: Climate action | UNEP – UN Environment Programme

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts:

Sustainable Development Goal #13 — Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, floods and tropical cyclones, aggravating water management problems, reducing agricultural production and food security, increasing health risks, damaging critical infrastructure and interrupting the provision of basic services such water and sanitation, education, energy and transport.

https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/sustainable-development-goals/why-do-sustainable-development-goals-matter/goal-13