Lack of urgency in addressing climate

To the editor:

Recently, Congress passed a resolution acknowledging that climate change is real. However, an amendment stating that it is caused by humans was easily defeated. Despite an overwhelming consensus among the scientific community regarding the existence of man-made climate change (around 97 percent of climate scientists), many are still hesitant to get on board. Last election cycle, Rep. Rod Blum said openly in a debate at Coe College that climate science is being used as a 'scare tactic.”

I found his comment very disconcerting and I could feel the uncomfortableness in the room, even among his young supporters. Anyone who knows even a little bit about the scientific community finds this assertion completely ludicrous and out of touch. Yet, we find him sitting in Washington.

Climate change is dangerously low on America's list of priorities. I don't have a problem with the minority of people who are vehemently against acknowledging and addressing climate change - there's no changing their minds. I have a problem with the majority of people who failed to vote on Election Day against climate change deniers. People always say 'they're both awful” or 'my vote won't make a difference.” This single issue should be enough to convince people to vote. People like to talk about pulling oneself up by their own bootstraps. I agree, let's stop being lazy, get off the couch, call our representatives and rid ourselves of this political inefficacy. A lack of involvement will only perpetuate the repulsiveness of our diseased government.

Evan Friesen

Cedar Rapids