Climate change demands attention

We are not scientists. But when 188 researchers and scientists from 39 Iowa colleges and universities call on legislators to address environmental and health consequences of climate change for the fifth year running, we listen.

Their statement, 'Iowa Climate Statement 2015: Time for Action,” includes the following assertions:

' Humans are adding heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere and those gases are contributing to climate change.

' The intensity of rain events has increased in Iowa over the past 50 years.

' Climate change may make droughts and floods worse in coming years.

' If greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, agriculture, human health, and economic stability will be affected.

According to the statement, the effects of climate change are not limited to our environment, but will affect our economy, our communities and our well-being.

But too often, political response to the realities and predictions of climate change has been no response, at all.

Iowans have an opportunity to jump start political discussion of practical, reasonable policy changes that will help communities adapt to our changing climate - beginning with presidential hopefuls swarming our state during their campaign tours.

We agree with the Iowa researchers and scientists that it is time to call upon presidential candidates to address climate change and bring it to the national stage.

Iowans should ask 2016 presidential candidates to address climate change during their campaigns with an emphasis on the policies they will support if elected president.

We don't expect candidates to be experts at climate science; but they should show expertise in policy. Voters deserve to hear specifics, including strategies for reducing carbon emissions and greenhouse gases, leading on innovative technologies, changing approaches and support for emergency management, and other related issues.

Iowa's investments in renewable energy are the sort of practical, win-win solutions that Iowans will be looking for.

Voters need to know how candidates would lead national efforts while working with other nations on this issue of global scale and importance.

It's time for candidates to articulate their own visions and priorities.

It is time for action.

' Comments: (319) 398-8469; editorial@thegazette.com