A climate message for Democrats, too

Wow! What a great "Guest View' on "A lesson on climate politics in the 6th District" Nov. 12 by Wheaton College student Chelsey Giesz and other members of Young Evangelicals for Climate Action. The essay, written from the perspective of conservative climate voters, delivers a powerful message to Republicans who survived the election: "Empty words and gestures toward climate action are not enough. Voters demand concrete solutions."

Now that the entire Chicago metro area is represented in Congress by Democrats, I would like to try to offer a corresponding message to Democrats.

Make climate a bridge issue, not a wedge issue. This was the primary ask of over 600 volunteers from Citizens Climate Lobby who met with nearly all congressional offices in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 13, the day after this essay appeared in this newspaper. If Democrats continue to use climate as a wedge issue, we have stalemate and inaction, and we face unacceptable losses.

Democrats, we need you to use your political skills to break this stalemate. Partner with Republicans on a solution. Don't focus on assigning blame for past behavior. Allow Republicans space to change. There are solutions that can satisfy the principals of both parties.

A market-based solution in which rising carbon fees are returned 100 percent to households to offset rising fossil energy costs and a border adjustment protects American businesses is one such solution. It doesn't harm the economy or grow government but reduces emissions effectively, protects the poor from rising prices, and gives other countries an incentive to price carbon too.

Your Congressperson, whether Democratic or Republican, needs to hear from you. Encourage them to work across the aisle for effective climate action. Encourage them to make climate a bridge issue, not a wedge issue. Call today.

Mark Ailes

Lombard