I was sobered, though not surprised, by the June 20 Associated Press article published in the Gazette, “Signs of global warming are all around”
I have fond memories of hiking, canoeing and kayaking in mountainous regions like the Adirondacks. More than that, my youthful outdoor excursions shaped me as an adult.
I hope that others growing up in the future can have the same positive experiences. Our dependency on the environment for numerous aspects of our well-being cannot be overstated, and it is in our best interest to be responsible caretakers of the planet.
I hope that lawmakers in our state will take action to reduce carbon emissions and curb global warming. The Massachusetts Senate has already passed carbon pricing legislation and I would like to see the House follow suit. By placing a cost on emissions and incentivizing emissions reductions, we can mitigate climate change and preserve a more healthful, resource-rich environment.
Lawmakers now have the opportunity to reduce the cost of climate change placed on 20-somethings like myself and younger generations that follow. Lawmakers have the opportunity to reduce widespread economic costs.
The successful passage and enactment of a carbon pricing bill would be a step in the right direction.
Katharine Winkler
Sunderland