Crisis offers lessons for climate change

Lesson One from our current situation is that preparation is critical. The better prepared you are for a pandemic, the better for everyone. Fewer people get sick, the disruption is shorter and the cost is smaller. Note: "Prepared" means before the event or as early as possible in the process. Likewise, the sooner we take action on climate change fewer will get sick from air pollution and the more we will reduce the impact of weather disasters and the economic costs.

Lesson Two, listen to the experts. Scientists have been warning us about a pandemic for years and telling us to get ready. The countries that listen are better prepared and reducing the impact. The overwhelming scientific consensus (97% of climate scientists) is that human caused pollution is warming the planet and the sooner we do something the better.

Lesson Three is people helping people. Right now, young people, working people are staying at home to prevent the spread of the virus to those most vulnerable, mostly older people. Taking action on climate change now will help the young, future generations, have a healthy environment in which to live.

The current coronavirus crisis is having a tremendous cost; emotionally, mentally, physically, economically. We as a people want the best for our families. Let's learn from this experience and better prepare for our current and future families.

Mark Ailes

Lombard