To the editor: I understand climate change columnist Sammy Roth's wariness toward the Republican Party. (“Meet John Curtis, the Utah Republican who cares about climate change,” column, Jan. 18)
As a climate activist, I have often felt the sting of disappointment. But the harsh reality is that we are on a sinking ship and unless everyone grabs an oar, we won't make it to dry land. Rep. John Curtis, the Utah Republican whom Roth profiles, shows that progress is possible.
Climate denialism, once so common in Washington, is now almost taboo. Even outside the chaotic halls of Congress, there are reasons for hope. According to the most recent Yale Climate Opinion Poll, 72% of Americans believe global warming is happening and 74% want to regulate carbon dioxide emissions.
But deep popular support for climate policy cannot happen if well-intentioned liberals insist on distancing themselves from their conservative counterparts. Real change, the kind we desperately need, can only happen when we all paddle together as if our lives depend on it, because they do, as the recent record-breaking floods have shown.
Xander Bernstein, Reseda
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To the editor: Congratulations to Sammy Roth for his excellent article on Rep. Curtis' efforts to move the Republican Party toward climate action.
Unfortunately, the article overlooks the elephant in the room: Former President Trump believes climate change is a hoax, and most Republicans are unwilling to even talk about addressing climate change while he is leader of the party. .
By a wide margin, Americans accept that global warming is happening. Even the fossil fuel and automobile industries recognize the need to abandon our heavy dependence on fossil fuels.
Sooner or later, Trump will lose his hold on the Republican Party. Hopefully, Republicans will replace him with more enlightened leaders who accept the need to address climate change.
Jim Hartung, West Hills
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To the editor: When will more people understand that the large amount of extreme weather here and around the world is exactly what scientists have been predicting will happen with climate change? (“Southern California sees two 'thousand-year' storms within weeks. More could come,” Jan. 25)
This is not just global “warming”; rather, it is the disruption of climate norms, making our weather patterns less normal and increasingly drifting toward extremes. In his article, climate scientist Marty Ralph says such extremes can cause a widespread feeling of “climate whiplash.”
There are many solutions to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. Firstly, we need more people to understand the full impact that climate disruption will have on their lives. Next, we need you to vote for elected officials who understand the urgency of the crisis.
And those elected officials must take strong action to support solutions that protect us. It's election season, so get out and vote, and vote wisely.
Melissa Waters, Laguna Niguel
