As a longtime member of the tourism industry here in Maine, I understand that there are ebbs and flows in all business cycles based on tourism. Our business model factors in these expected ups and downs, and we feel prepared to handle most obstacles that come our way.

What I fear and am woefully unprepared for, however, are the devastating effects of climate change. We desperately need to reduce our carbon pollution which accelerates the rate of climate change. Climate change worsens extreme weather events and makes them occur more frequently, threatening both our work in the tourism industry, and our wellbeing as a whole.

I appreciate that our Senator, Susan Collins, has shown a willingness to act on climate change. We need strong leadership in the federal government to reduce pollution for the sake of Mainers and the rest of the country.

Jason Briggs, Biddeford