We’ll ‘adapt’ while Exxon profits soar

Recently the CEO of Exxon Mobil, Rex Tillerson, admitted that the climate is changing and the burning of fossil fuels is a contributor. Taking a page from the tobacco industry, his company has spent millions to create doubt in the face of overwhelming scientific data. One can act dumb for just so long before people wonder if it is an act. Well it was, and in a statement of unprecedented arrogance his solution is “we’ll adapt.”

When rising seas sweep away our homes, we’ll adapt. When crops dry up and blow away, we’ll adapt. Of course we will. What choice will we have? With adaptation to climate change already costing 1 percent of global GDP annually, it is easy to offer that solution if you have the wealth needed to “adapt.” How about the rest of us? How about Exxon Mobil fund some of this adaptation from the profits they so happily take in because they don’t pay for the damage they are causing to our world? They are leaving it for us to pay for. Oh, I’m sorry, I meant adapt to.

I studied the science and it didn’t take me long to see change is needed and it doesn’t include the use of fossil fuels. Sorry, Rex. Rather, I decided to take the same energy that is making everyone uncomfortably hot and use it to keep me comfortably and affordably cool. I converted my home to solar generated electricity. My energy is free and clean and I won’t see an electricity bill for the rest of my life. Not the behavior Tillerson wants to see, but the behavior that could and should be our future.

Yes, Mr. Tillerson, we will adapt, but not so as to continue filling your pockets but with more sensible, affordable and sustainable solutions.

Peter Gorr

Palatine