A year to rebuild

The U.S. just wrapped up one of the most contentious elections in its history. At stake was not only the health of the people in a pandemic, but also the fate of the climate. Across the Chicagoland area, the climate change has led to unpredictable weather patterns and record breaking heat waves, leading to flash floods and exacerbating preexisting health conditions like asthma and heart problems.

Our low-income populations, communities of color, and outdoor workers have been especially affected.

In addition to rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, the president of the United States should swiftly reintroduce the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, which would reduce U.S. emissions by 40% within the first 10 years and create 2 million jobs.

I hope that Rep. Sean Casten, Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Tammy Duckworth will also support it. Let's make 2021 the year we rebuild better for people and the planet.

Jessica Wilber

Hinsdale