Climate leadership lacking in Springfield

This weekend I had an opportunity to meet state Sen. Dan McConchie (26th Senate District) at a neighborhood "meet and greet." After hearing his opening statements and responding to the first several questions, he came across as thoughtful, well-intentioned and reasonable. He was then asked about his views on climate science and when does he foresee Illinois taking action on climate change.

He started by saying that he accepted the science, acknowledged that he does not have climate expertise and has no reason to not believe what the scientists and experts are saying about the impending crisis. He then said he believes the problem needs to be dealt with at a federal level, or, international level.

At this point, although disappointed, I could have somewhat understood his position. Then he ended his response by referencing an article he read of how the U.S. will need to launch a pre-emptive war on India, China and Russia to get them to curtail their emissions. Even after being challenged that the U.S. is by far a much larger polluter on a per-capita basis, he sort of shrugged. I later researched the article to be an opinion piece in the Daily Caller from the Heartland Institute.

So, to summarize, state Sen. McConchie's evolving position is now to accept the science that there is an imminent climate crisis, but his response is a mix of "not my problem" and to joke about pre-emptive war as being the response. I no longer believe him to be thoughtful, well-intentioned and reasonable.

Mike Zanillo

Kildeer