Letter to the editor: We must be a climate leader

I believe the Trib is doing a disservice to its readers when it publishes articles promoting the natural gas industry. We know all too well the devastation the industry causes to our health and environment. Yes, natural gas produces about half the carbon dioxide emissions than coal power when burned, but the primary component of natural gas is methane, a potent greenhouse gas emitted throughout the development supply chain.

To promote fossil fuel use when the window to save a livable planet is narrowing is shortsighted. Already, we are seeing the “limits of adaptation” with rising sea levels, desertification, extreme heat and, for many, a lack of food and safe drinking water. The planet’s temperature is increasing quickly and dangerously and creating an existential crisis.

We need to be a leader in this effort because we are one of the biggest polluters. A massive mobilization, similar to that of World War II, is needed. Back then, our country converted our industrial might to a wartime footing to combat fascism. Now we must mobilize that might to fight the climate crises. The conversion to green energy must greatly accelerate. Generating electricity and transportation vehicles must rely on clean energy. Reduce, reuse, recycle should be the rallying cry.

It is essential America gains the cooperation of countries around the globe, especially the other major offenders such as China and India. We know how to do this. We worked with many countries including China on the Human Genome Project. This collaboration must work if we are to battle the climate crises. Let’s get this done.

Patricia Oliver

North Huntingdon