Climate change a serious threat

To the editor,

Senator Sullivan (Frontiersman, 9/15) is rightly concerned about suicide, domestic violence and infrastructure issues. However, it is unfortunate that he downplays climate change, which threatens our infrastructure and affects everyone, especially in the North. The Pentagon has asserted that climate change is a serious, immediate threat to national security, due to its global economic and political effects, and increased demand for military disaster responses. The reality and seriousness of the problem is not in any real doubt (see the NASA web site, climate.nasa.gov/evidence). Valley residents helped organize an event last Saturday from a faith perspective, including Presbyterian, Orthodox, Quaker and Buddhist leaders, to discuss the issue. Many other faiths have expressed similar concerns; see, for example, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, evangelical and climate scientist, on the Christian Broadcasting Network. Regardless of our politics, we need solutions. A carbon fee and dividend is one solution, which would also grow the economy; both prominent conservatives and liberals support it.

Phil Somervell

Palmer