Who could predict that climate change would affect the songs of whales as they try to communicate above the noise of cracking and melting icebergs, or that warmer weather would increase crime rates? In the Dec. 2 Salt Lake Tribune article "Climate change carries unexpected impacts," these were cited as some of the unexpected impacts of a warming climate. With news like this, it's hard to be optimistic about the future of our common home.
But hope has arrived. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (HR7173) was introduced into Congress by three Republicans and three Democrats. It proposes a rising fee on carbon pollution, decreasing CO2 emissions by 40 percent in 12 years, and returning the net collected fee (carbon dividend) back into the pockets of people.
This effective solution to climate change will promote safe and healthy communities, create more jobs — especially in the clean energy sector — and protect our natural environment.
Let's applaud Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) and his bipartisan team of co-sponsors for creating bridges to common ground discussions. Let's ask Rep.-elect Ben McAdams and Reps. Rob Bishop, Chris Stewart and John Curtis to set aside partisan differences and listen to the majority of Americans who support action on climate change. Let's enact the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act in 2019.
Karen Jackson, Salt Lake City
