GOP candidates must address climate change

Bill Ferrel (Aug. 12 guest column) is on the mark in calling for Republican candidates to address the most important issue facing not only this country, but our entire planet earth: climate change. Why do many, if not most, Republicans seem to be in denial?

In 2009, the American Red Cross calculated that the average number of people affected by climate-related disasters had grown to 243 million annually. In February, the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops called for “urgent action” to address the growing impact of climate change on the poor and vulnerable.

The Business Environmental Leadership Council, which includes Alcoa, John Deere, Dow, Dupont, United Technologies, Whirlpool and more than 35 others, states on its website that, “We accept the scientific consensus that climate change is occurring and that the impacts are already being felt. Delaying action will increase both the risks and the costs.”

As a grandparent, I am deeply troubled about the long-term effects from climate change. This country must become a leader among nations in tackling climate change. Are there other Republicans who will stand with Ferrel in asking candidates how they will bring this nation and the world to a sustainable future?

Ann Christenson

Iowa City