Opinion: Time is now to take the next step on climate change

To the editor: In The Times editorial, the term “business-friendly Democrats” was used as if they were the enemy. (“Don’t punt on climate change policy,” Editorial, Aug. 8)

In my way of thinking, it is refreshing that there are some Democrats who actually think business does provide investment, jobs, and growth and cannot be bullied to put the future of California’s climate change policy in the hands of the Air Resources Board, an unelected and politically appointed entity.

Don Black, Rancho Palos Verdes

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To the editor: Thanks to the Times for this editorial on this important topic. The Earth desperately needs help.

The goal of reducing fossil carbon pollution is good. The problem is that California has taken the wrong approach. The “carbon dividend plan,” which places a fee on fossil carbon extraction and returns the money as a dividend to everyone, accomplishes the goal while treating business fairly.

Andy Martin, Huntington Beach

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To the editor: Passage of this measure SB 32 on reducing greenhouse gas emissions is desirable, but we can reverse climate change without government action. The needed lifestyle adjustments are well known, including: Don’t have more than one child, minimize consumption of meat and fish, live close to where you work (and/or use mass transit) and support sustainable policies and practices.

These measures do not represent hardship, only a shift in our established attitudes. Individually and together we can defeat the enemy, which is us.

Ed Salisbury, Ontario

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To the editor: Someone should round up all the business-friendly Democrats who are blocking climate legislation and put them on a bus. They should be driven up to the once-green, fragrant and thriving forests of the southern Sierra Nevada. They should stand amid the groves of brown, dead and dying trees and see for themselves how, partly because winters are no longer cold enough, bark beetles are multiplying and killing our majestic trees.

They should begin to understand more clearly and feel more deeply what it means to be a California legislator at this moment in history. They should become so concerned, perhaps horrified, that they ask themselves: “What can be done?” Maybe even, “Who’s in charge here?” Or even better, “If not me, who?” Then they should go back to Sacramento and vote their conscience.

Caryn Bosson, Ojai

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To the editor: California is on fire. In the past few weeks, multiple separate fires have scorched more than 100,000 acres of my state. These fires are being fueled by California’s drought and record-high temperatures. As I watch my beautiful and beloved state burn, the level of urgency that climate change demands is clear.

I strongly encourage the governor and legislature to address climate change with the sense of urgency it deserves. Please work together and pass SB 32 before the end of the current legislative session.

Jillian Romsdahl, Los Angeles

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To the editor: Climate solutions help address some of our other most pressing health threats — asthma due to air pollution, chronic diseases associated with our transportation and food systems, and children’s lack of access to healthy green spaces to play and develop.

When our legislators support action on climate change, they are also protecting the health of our children. Strong action on climate is needed now, as an investment in our health.

Margaret Juarez, MD, Arcadia

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