Darren Parry’s opinion piece asks: “Did you know that the Iroquois Nation leadership does not make any decisions without considering what effect that decision will have on seven generations ahead?” Parry urges embracing the principles of community, stewardship and sustainability. Parry’s thoughts complement the Tribune editorial about the proposed highway through the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. Both explain how short term benefits go to the few at the expense of many.
We know that building more roads contributes directly to more driving and development, lining developers’ pockets and reelecting politicians due to contributions from those who benefit financially. The American love affair with unsustainable growth comes at a significant cost to our communities. We must consider the price to be paid by current and future generations for unbridled development.
Beyond the decision to build a highway that will detrimentally affect the threatened desert tortoises, (a keystone species) we need to consider how our decisions fuel an overheating climate. Not a day goes by without a severe weather event made more extreme by our changing climate. Utah has immense potential to combat a changing climate through solar and wind energy which are cheaper than polluting fossil fuels. Geothermal promises to be the 24/7/365 energy source for a clean air future.
As a baby boomer who benefited from fossil fuel consumption, what can I (we) do to advocate for sustainable policies? Encourage legislators to implement a carbon fee and dividend to cut carbon pollution. Economists support a carbon fee as the most efficient and least disruptive way to reduce the negative effects of our changing climate … preserving our common home for the seven generations to come.
Jean M. Lown, Logan
