Don't ignore call to action on climate change

Thank you for your article "Climate report warns of worsening disasters" on Nov. 23. It's the clearest statement to date that human activity is driving 90 percent of the warming, that significant costs have already resulted from inaction and that the problem will get much worse. Since this report was assembled by 13 U.S. federal agencies, a huge question is left unanswered: why doesn't Trump believe his own scientists?

Ignoring the report's call to action and risking a 10 percent decline in the health of the US economy, as well as putting at risk the physical health of US citizens, is reckless and irresponsible behavior. Trump, were he responsible, should lead action placing an immediate and annually rising fee on carbon emissions. The fee, placed on energy suppliers, would go right back to households as a dividend to offset fossil fuel price increases.

A torrent of investment in non- carbon emitting energy sources would follow once markets knew fossil fuel prices will keep increasing. In about five years, non-emitting alternatives would become cheaper than fossil fuels, causing the market to flip toward green energy. Studies show this approach grows jobs, GDP and dramatically reduces greenhouse gas emissions. If the White House continues to spinelessly refuse to act to prevent a hotter future, call your Representative and tell them to join the 33 Democrats and 33 Republicans taking leadership in the congressional Climate Solutions Caucus. Demand action now.

Andrew Panelli

Homer Glen