Climate change is not a partisan issue; it is a problem that affects all humans, animals, plants and ecosystems.
By Caroline Hancock, Leader
Citizens Climate Lobby, Princeton Chapter
Carole Johnson, Co-Leader
Citizens Climate Lobby, Raritan Valley Chapter
Nadine Kadell Sapirman, Co-Leader
Citizens Climate Lobby, Raritan Valley Chapter
To the editor:
The year 2015 was a time of consciousness-raising for the climate change crisis.
We heard about it from the Pope, in the media, and from the Paris climate talks where, in December, 196 countries agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Informed people understand that climate change is happening; that it is being caused by our use of carbon-based "dirty" energy; it disproportionately affects the poor; and something must be done about it ... soon.
Climate change is not a partisan issue; it is a problem that affects all humans, animals, plants and ecosystems.
One way to address climate change is through a market-based solution known as a revenue-neutral carbon fee and dividend. The carbon fee would be assessed at the source (well, mine or port of entry) and returned to American households as a dividend.
This predictably-increasing price on carbon will send a clear market signal that will unleash entrepreneurs and investors in a new clean energy economy. The beauty of this solution is that it significantly reduces government regulation; the market will reward low-emission products and services.
New Jersey Sen. Kip Bateman (R, 16th), a member of the state Senate's Environment Committee, has signed on as an endorser of "carbon fee and dividend."
A lifelong environmentalist, Sen. Bateman expressed concern about the increase in extreme weather events, severity of storms and droughts that are being seen all over the world. He cares deeply about protecting the environment so all people can enjoy the bounty and beauty that nature provides.
We thank Sen. Bateman for publicly supporting the carbon fee and dividend solution. Those who wish to learn more about it can visit citizensclimatelobby.org.