To the Journal editor:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports 2022 was the sixth warmest year on record since 1880 in terms of global average temperature and that the 10 warmest years have all occurred since 2010.

The great majority (97%) of the most qualified scientists in my field of atmospheric science believe human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and other irresponsible actions like mass deforestation are responsible for this global warming/climate change (see climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus).

Additionally, the World Meteorological Organization released a report in September 2022 stating that human-caused global warming/climate change 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 as well as the deforestation responsible for this climate change, these disastrous impacts will only get worse.

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change co-chair Debra Roberts also 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.

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.

To help slow this dangerous climate change, I urge your readers to go to the Citizens’ Climate Lobby website at https://citizensclimatelobby.org/get-loud-take-action and follow the Write Congress links there to urge our congressional representatives to 1) support carbon pricing to encourage a transition to clean, renewable energy sources and 2) support healthy forests that will reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

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

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