Climate change causes a variety of issues

I appreciated Gerald Ray’s letter in last week’s paper regarding the spread of the Zika virus.

This virus, and others, is one more symptom of climate change. Veterinarians in Montana are starting to see diseases in pets and livestock they’ve not seen before. Why? As the planet warms, the range of the mosquitoes that carry the viruses like the Zika virus increases. We’re also experiencing record droughts, record heat, and record wildfires.

I hate to say this, but we will see more of these kinds of things in our future unless we limit the risks of climate change by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.

That’s why I am happy that Republicans and Democrats are getting together on the climate change issue. Recently, a bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus in the House of Representatives was formed. Led by Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), this caucus is discussing national policies to help us mitigate climate change.

Young Republicans are asking those running for President how they plan to respond to our changing climate. While most of the candidates say that climate change is a hoax, most Americans know otherwise. Many young conservatives are for ending government subsidies for the fossil fuel industry and the “Drill Baby, Drill” mantra. We favor energy efficiency and renewable energy.

There is a market-based solution to mitigate climate change and move our great nation off fossil fuels and on to renewable energy: the Carbon Fee and Dividend. Please check out this policy at http://www.citizensclimatelobby.org and ask our Congressman, Dan Newhouse, to support it.

Meanwhile, load up on mosquito repellent and sunscreen and don’t forget to wear a hat outdoors this summer.

Alexandra Amonette, Richland