Your Opinion: Climate change is not political

Dear Editor:

Climate change is not political, but do not take my word for it. Ask any of the 30 Republican or 30 Democrat U.S. Representatives in the Climate Solutions Caucus. Better yet, watch videos of their Nov. 1 speeches from the House floor on YouTube.

Flooding and drought affect all of us regardless of our political views. Neither party can stop a hurricane or prevent a wildfire. The recently released government 2017 NOAA report clearly states burning fossil fuels results in more carbon dioxide in the air. Higher carbon dioxide levels worsen climate change, which increases the devastation from natural disasters.

The way to slow climate change is to burn less - not more - fossil fuel. It will take everyone's cooperation to shift to renewables. Fortunately nearly 600 volunteers from around the country recently traveled to Capitol Hill to urge support for a solution. Two local residents and seven other Missourians met with Sen. Blunt and Sen. McCaskill's staff and with Congressman Luetkemeyer. They requested support for the Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) carbon fee and dividend. Research shows the CCL solution would create jobs and improve the economy while lessening the impact of climate change.

These generous individuals volunteered their time and traveled to DC at their own expense. They are convinced all of us, regardless of our political views, must work together to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Can we work together to safeguard our future and that of our children?