No one enjoys hearing that climate change will lead to apocalyptic consequences and that we face existential threats to our way of life. After all, what really is so awful if the temperature warms a few degrees, the oceans rise a foot or two and severe storms become more frequent? We will simply turn on the air conditioning more often, move to higher ground and buy better insurance. Wealthy people will always have options, while poorer folks get shafted. Life as usual. What is all the fuss about?

Winter tick infestation is common with moose across the northern U.S. – usually survivable for adults, less so for calves but miserable either way. And climate change may make it worse, scientists have reported. Sarah Hoy/Michigan Tech University via Associated Press

Collapsing ecosystems worldwide – this is the bigger picture. The rich tapestry of life is unraveling from bottom to top as wild populations of insects, birds, fish and mammals decline at alarming rates. Change has always been part of nature’s story, but now the changes are so rapid that animals and plants cannot adapt successfully. Entire ecosystems are increasingly stressed to the breaking point. The consequences of climate change are coming for us all. Food price increases are just the beginning.

The November elections present an opportunity to make a significant difference. Pay close attention to what the candidates are saying about climate change. Do they vigorously promote actions that will help slow global warming? Are they willing to consider a revenue-neutral carbon tax on energy production using fossil fuels?

Candidate silence or evasion on global warming policies is not acceptable. If elected officials are not part of the solution, they are shirking their responsibilities and are part of the problem. Vote.

Kermit Smyth
Brunswick