Thanks to columnist Russ Vernon-Jones for his portrayal of the combined threats of authoritarianism and climate change, and their links to the fossil fuel industry [“Authoritarianism and the fossil fuel industry,” Gazette, Sept. 19].
I recently heard Bill McKibben speak about his new book, “Here Comes the Sun,” which highlights the role of solar power. He points out that fossil fuels are concentrated in a few places, giving those who own them tremendous financial and political power, and allowing the few owners to sell them at high prices to everyone else. But solar power is free, and everywhere. Each of us can generate our own energy locally, making us independent of fossil fuel brokers and magnates, and making our country free from having to deal with oil-owning countries. How democratic can you get?
As solar panels get cheaper, we need only clear permitting hurdles and find ways to help with up-front costs. Then we can democratize (energy) power, and undermine the fossil fuel industry and its grip on (political) power.
Sue Donaldson
Northampton