Storms should prompt us to consider climate change

A front-page story this week in The Gazette read “Here’s how to help tornado victims,” referring to the barrage of tornadoes that ripped through the South and Midwest last Friday, killing more than 80 people and causing massive damage. The story included a list of organizations Iowans can donate to help the victims. These organizations provide immediate and critical help. But we can’t stop there.

We can also help by taking the long view. We need to prepare ourselves for more bizarre weather events like this that are becoming less bizarre as a result of climate change, and that are certain to bring more suffering, hardship and economic impact. We can help others by educating ourselves about the causes and solutions to climate change and by contacting our elected officials and give them the political will to act!

Jane Shuttleworth

Okoboji