Letter to the Editor: Consider climate change when electing candidates

Residents of coastal towns are increasingly more aware of the dangers of sea-level rise and the impact of climate change on their lives. Whether it be the recent footage of the damage wrought by hurricanes Florence and Michael fueled by warmer waters, or the dire warnings expressed by over 90 scientists from 40 countries in the UN Intergovernmental Panel’s report on Climate Change, most people realize there is a need for immediate and sustained efforts to reduce carbon emissions in every way possible. Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to warming oceans and rising sea-level.

Now is the time to contact local, state and federal officials with a call for action on climate change and a demand for informed, evidence-based decisions. We all need to do our part to reduce our carbon footprint and to demand action on the part of elected officials. At a minimum, a planet warming at this unprecedented rate will result in food shortages, droughts, wildfires, more intense storms, and submerged coastal towns and cities. Without focused effort and comprehensive policies, we will all suffer the consequences in the next few decades, if not sooner. If we hope to leave a livable planet to future generations, we must adopt policies that take these threats seriously and act aggressively now to slow the rate of this unprecedented warming trend.

Ask yourself, where do the candidates running for local offices stand on climate change and what plans, if any, do they have for reducing the impact of sea-level rise on Tiverton or the coastal community they hope to represent? What energy-saving steps would they introduce and support to reduce emissions from Town vehicles? Are they promoting energy-efficiency in local building codes and in existing buildings? Are they aware of the threats and currently part of a conversation about the danger of doing nothing? If not, ask yourself, how prepared are they to provide the kind of leadership required in this uncertain time?

Vote for informed candidates, up and down the ballot, who will take action on this compelling problem.

Gayle Lawrence

Tiverton