Climate action now

To the Editor;
Thank you to the BDN for the Feb. 21 editorial suggesting our increased climate change awareness might translate into increased action. It joins increased media coverage on climate concerns, much from the younger generation. Although the BDN identifies shortcomings of the Green New Deal, we must not dismiss its loud, clear statement from youth, amplified by student strikes across Europe and elsewhere.

I teach Maine youth. As conversation grows about the upcoming student strike on March 15, I am encouraged by additional options including the “modest” bill, HR 763, mentioned in the editorial.

I don’t know enough economics to have authority on the matter, but I know enough to trust leading economists — who, the Washington Post reported in January, say we need a price on carbon. The “modest” bill is just that, and it is viable bipartisan legislation.

Bill McKibben pointed out in the New Yorker Saturday that Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s “I know what I’m doing” comment doesn’t ring true. Congress doesn’t have it covered, despite having the tools. If my generation is to look kids in the eye and tell them to respect our current social structure, we must each play our own roles by insisting that our leaders like Susan Collins, Angus King and Jared Golden use the tools we have, now.

Laurie Sproul
Brownville