To the Journal editor:

The World Meteorological Organization released a report in September stating that human-caused climate change/global warming has caused weather-related disasters to increase fivefold over the last 50 years, resulting in an average of 115 fatalities and $200 million damage every day around the world.

The WMO warned that unless humans reduce the burning of the dirty fossil fuels like oil, coal and gas responsible for this climate change, these disastrous impacts will only get worse.

Additionally, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change co-chair Debra Roberts stated in February 2022: “The scientific evidence is unequivocal. Climate change is a threat to human well-being and the health of the planet. Any further delay in concerted global action will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a livable and sustainable future for all.”

The report’s authors further stated countries must dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect large natural areas on land and in the oceans to have the most impact.

The latest WMO and IPCC reports are consistent with findings from NASA, which in 2020 compiled a list of organizations that have endorsed human-caused climate change/global warming and pointed out that over 97% of the most qualified scientists believe humans are in fact responsible.

Fortunately, The Mining Journal printed an article in the Dec. 30 edition detailing how much of the world is making progress toward the use of more clean, renewable energy sources like solar and wind that will reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases that trap heat near the Earth’s surface and help slow the climate change.

The recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act offers incentives for U.S. citizens to reduce their use of fossil fuels and invest in cleaner homes, appliances and electric vehicles.

With a new Congress meeting in Washington, lets take some time to contact Representative Bergman and Senators Stabenow and Peters urging them to introduce and support legislation that will protect our environment and encourage a transition from the use of dirty fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy sources.

Another advantage of moving away from fossil fuels is that the reduction in demand for oil will punish the economies of dangerous countries like Russia and Iran.

Readers can contact our congressional representatives by visiting their websites or calling 202-224-6221 for Senator Peters, 202-224-4822 for Senator Stabenow and 202-225-4735 for Rep. Bergman.

You can also visit citizensclimatelobby.org to sign up for online actions.