Vote in those who will protect Earth

Monte Heil’s letter, “The only climate crisis is political” would reassure us to dismiss the reality of the climate crisis, in the world beyond politics.

He dredges up the unfounded paranoia of the far right: it’s all a communist plot, he warns. So, is Allstate or State Farm Insurance a den of Marxists? They won’t insure homes in California due to rising temperatures. Or the efforts of the World Bank? Or the IMF? Or, 200 of the world’s science academies (NASA has a list).

The delayer's favorite tactic can be found here: the half-truth “the climate is always changing”. Not always, as during the last 12,000 years it was quite stable, and humans thrived. But not in the last 150 years, when CO2 and temperature rose in tandem.

Humans created eye-tearing, lung-scarring smog. We created the ozone hole, the burning of the Cuyahoga River. Religion isn’t only about salvation; it’s also about responsibility. We rose to the challenge, found the causes, and acted responsibly to repair the damage.

And yes, we are responsible to cut carbon, say the experts. I don’t go to clergy for brain surgery, and I wouldn’t go to skeptics for climate policy.

Dark money interests have bought those in Congress who refuse to act responsibly. We have the power to vote in those who truly care about the only planet known to support life: our Earth.

JAN FREED

Los Angeles, Calif.