Letter to the editor: Pa. needs more climate change action

Nations from all over the world gathered in Glasgow, Scotland, recently for the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 to address the climate crisis.

Meanwhile in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Legislature has failed to act: The Pennsylvania Senate passed a resolution blocking the state from joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which could reduce carbon emissions by 26% in Pennsylvania by 2025. They also are advancing Senate Bill 275 and House Bill 1947, which limit municipalities’ ability to determine their own sources of energy, thereby hindering local governments from minimizing carbon emissions.

As pediatricians, we are alarmed by the threat climate change poses to children’s health. Children have increased risk of exposure and are more physically vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Pittsburgh has had progress in tackling climate change through its Climate Action Plan, a roadmap to reducing the city’s carbon emissions 50% by 2030. But the commonwealth needs more action.

Contact your state legislators and express your concern; it gives us the best chance to break their pattern of disregarding climate. This is our opportunity to show the world that Pennsylvania prioritizes the health of our planet and our children — that we can unite and tackle this climate challenge for the health of current and future generations.

Dr. Gabriel Cisneros and Dr. Maya Ragavan

Pittsburgh

Dr. Steph Lee

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