The climate crisis is upon us. We see the effects with devastating hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, rising seas and more.
This is our last chance; we own this mess we are in. Everything depends on our climate and weather conditions, including our food supply, water conditions, the environment – plant and animal ranges have shifted, and trees are flowering sooner, glaciers are melting. Humans and the animals are facing new and devastating challenges.
In short, every one of us has a carbon footprint on this planet. In 2019, around 5.13 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions were produced from energy consumption in the United States. There are many ways to reduce our individual carbon footprint and we all must get on board.
The single most powerful tool available to reduce carbon pollution is by putting a price on carbon. We can start seeing results in as little as 9 months. Businesses become more energy-efficient. Money collected from fossil fuel companies is given as a dividend to every American. It will save lives and create jobs.
A carbon fee is the best climate solution for our economy because it is the most cost-efficient way to lower pollution. Putting a price on carbon works by transforming our electricity sector to net zero emissions.
I strongly encourage everyone to call our U.S. Senator from New Jersey, Sen. Bob Menendez, at 202-224-4744. Please express your strong support for a price on carbon, which is in the budget reconciliation bill that the Senate and House are working on.
Rose Reina-Rosenbaum
Hillsborough