George Burman - 3-17-2019 - Drought, floods have common cause

Drought, floods have common cause

March 17, 2019
 

In the Fresno Bee (March 13) a letter from Rod Jenson pointed out his confusion about some of the statements made about climate change; specifically, more droughts or more flooding? The answer is that we will see both, and a lot more catastrophic events caused by our production of atmospheric carbon. There will not only be drought, but fires that will make 2018 seem like a friendly marshmallow roast. There will be flooding the likes of which we have never seen. Sea levels will rise, crop production will fall and millions will starve.

It is unfortunate that what we are now seeing as the many aspects of global climate disruption originally were called “global warming.” That made it seem pretty benign, as if we could cope by no longer wearing long-sleeved shirts. Then we would get a freak snowstorm in June somewhere and folks would run about saying “this can’t be global warming, it is all a hoax!”

There will never again be a “new normal.” The Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and natural environment are spinning out of control, and we seem oblivious. There might be some hope if our politicians embraced things like the Paris Climate Accord and the Green New Deal, but I doubt that they will. Even if they do, and we somehow immediately eliminate all fossil fuel production and use, worldwide, we will see a 2-3 degree (C) increase in the global temperature. Even that will be devastating, but maybe survivable.

Sometimes I am glad that I am 79 years old, but I cry for our children and grandchildren.

– George Burman, Fresno

 http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODN/TheFresnoBee/default.aspx

Andrea Farber De Zubiria -3-18-2019 - It’s not confusing, it’s climate change

It’s not confusing, it’s climate change

March 18, 2019

I appreciate the confusion Rod Jenson expressed in his letter, (Flood or Drought? Climate Confusion, March 13) wondering if climate change means we need to be prepared for floods or for droughts. Unfortunately, we need to prepare for both, due to “weather whiplash.”
Carbon dioxide and other gases produced by burning oil and coal interfere with the radiant cooling of the Earth. This greenhouse effect causes excess heat energy to build up in the atmosphere and oceans. With more energy buildup, the normal variations of weather will get supercharged. UCLA scientists predict that the usual amount of rain will fall, but in a shorter period, leading to severe flooding events. In California, this will be followed by longer warm and dry seasons, creating conditions for bigger wildfires.
It’s going to be expensive and difficult to shore up our infrastructure, support our first responders, cope with air pollution and adjust our land management policies. Experts say we can still prevent some of the worst effects of climate change if we transition to cleaner forms of energy. The Energy Innovation and Climate Dividend Act has been proposed in the House. You can read how it will help at EnergyInnovationsAct.org and tell your member of Congress.

Andrea Farber De Zubiria, Fresno

 https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article228007949.html

Read more here: https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article228007949.html#storylink=cpyhttps://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article228007949.html

Samantha Perez - 3-29-2019 - And the young shall lead them

And the young shall lead them

March 28, 2019

Though true that climate change is a “new” issue for adults, young people have heard about it their whole lives. And it’s continually becoming more and more clear that it will be the younger generations to finally get action; we don’t have time to wait around for the powers that be to decide it’s worth doing something. Young people around the world are demonstrating and demanding action on climate change, as they should be!
As a student determined to get the action that we need on climate change, I volunteer with the Fresno chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL). This organization is working hard for a climate solution, and is on its way to one with the bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act being introduced to Congress. Being a part of this organization has truly given me hope for the future of our planet.
So, to young people: You can be a part of the solution! CCL and the students involved are paving the way for a livable world. Young people are the future, and the future depends on our nation reaching a climate solution.

Samantha Perez, Fresno

https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article228459884.html

Read more here: https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article228459884.html#storylink=cpy

Devin Carroll - 3/4/2019 - Green New Deal appeals to all

Green New Deal appeals to all 

March 4, 2019
 Two Florida congressmen, a Republican and a Democrat, recently introduced the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. It is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent in 12 years. 

This bipartisan bill can be part of either a conservative, market-based economic plan, or a progressive reshaping of our economy promoted in the Green New Deal.
EICDA adds a price to carbon fuels to encourage American families and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, but does not dictate how. Businesses can invest in conservation and green energy, or pay the higher price for carbon fuels. Farmers get a rebate for their equipment fuel. Government does not keep the money; carbon dividends go to each household. Conservatives like these features.

The Green New Deal combines green businesses and jobs with guaranteed full employment, universal health insurance, financial reform and other major changes. These ambitious goals cannot pass until at least the 2020 elections, when progressives hope to use them to win Congress and the White House.
EICDA would be a major step towards the climate protection goals of the Green New Deal. But it could pass in the current session, because it also fits into conservative climate programs. Write your representative.

Devin Carroll, Fresno

 https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article227006414.html

Read more here: https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article227006414.html#storylink=cpy

Andrea Farbe De Zubiria - 2-2-2019 - NASA not part of climate change cult

NASA not part of climate change cult

Which of the following entities consists of radical environmentalists: NASA? The Pentagon? The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change? None of the above, of course! But in a recent column, Cal Thomas labels those who believe we need to stop greenhouse gas pollution, “part of the climate change cult.”
NASA, the Pentagon, and the IPCC all identify heat-trapping gases from burning coal and oil as the cause of climate change. They agree that climate change worsens wildfires, air pollution and storms. They also agree it is causing rising oceans, drought, crop damage, and even increased terrorism due to economic and geographic instability.
How about Ronald Reagan’s secretary of state, George Shultz, or Trent Lott, who both strongly advocate legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Are they “tree huggers”?
The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act will soon be re-introduced in Congress. Reliable economists say it will create millions of jobs and put dividend money directly in Americans’ pockets. They report it will stimulate innovations that will stop greenhouse gas buildup and prevent thousands of premature deaths from air pollution. Please let your members of Congress know that you want them to vote yes for this game-changing bill.

 Andrea Farber De Zubiria, Fresno

 https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article225382715.html

Read more here: https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article225382715.html#storylink=cpy

Connie Young - Unpublished - CARB Meeting and EICDA

January 2019
Unpublished

After attending yesterday's CARB meeting and, later on, watching CCL’s webinar about the new bill, I was inspired to write the following draft LTE.

If I submit it, I’d like to do it today, since it’s time-sensitive and I’ll be at the NorCal conference this weekend.

Your feedback and suggestions for a strong closing sentence would be welcome. 

Connie

Thursday was a good day for our air quality and the climate! Here in Fresno, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved a far-reaching PM 2.5 Plan that will help reduce the amount of dirty black carbon from wood smoke and other sources that pollute our air and contribute to climate change. Congratulations to CARB, our Valley Air District and the Central Valley Air Quality Coalition (CVAQ) and many others for working together to create a plan that will help clean up the air we breathe. Special thanks to CVAQ for giving voice to the health concerns of valley residents. 

On the same day, in Washington, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (will add number if available before I submit) was re-introduced in the US House of Representatives by Congressmen Francis Rooney (R-FL ) and Ted Deutch (D-FL). This bipartisan climate bill will be good for people and good for the economy while reducing the carbon emissions that are fouling our air and driving climate change. We can all help get this bill passed by asking Congressmen Costa, Cox and Nunes to support it. 

Connie Young

Bruce Ratcliffe - 1-16-2019 - Carbon windfall stops protests

Carbon windfall stops protests  

January 16, 2019 

 French President Emmanuel Macron has caused himself a big, unnecessary headache. Recent and continuing anti-government demonstrations have led to the worst violence in a decade, with more than 100 people injured as cars and buildings have been set on fire. The violent protests have been triggered by his trying to do the right thing (lowering greenhouse gas emissions) but doing it the wrong way (raising fuel taxes).

If he’d simply taken a page from the play book of Citizens Climate Lobby, Macron would be enjoying wide support now. CCL’s plan, similar to bills recently introduced in the House and the Senate, taxes oil as it comes out of the ground. All the money thus collected is given right back to every American household. Citizens are free to spend their carbon tax windfall any way they wish. Who would protest that?

Bruce Ratcliffe, Fresno

https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article224542700.html