We can reverse climate change

Dear Editor,

When Tropical Storm Isaias hit New Paltz, my power went out for a few hours; it was a minor inconvenience. The next morning, as the fallen trees were collected, and downed power lines repaired, I was grateful that I didn’t have anywhere to be. My experience of Isaias could have been worse, and in future storms, it probably will be.

In a typical June-to-November hurricane season, there are about 12 named storms. Isaias was the ninth named storm of the 2020 season, making it the earliest ninth named storm on record. Inevitably, this means we will see an exceptionally high number of named storms this year, and potentially another Superstorm Sandy situation.

In 2018, the fourth National Climate Assessment warned that the U.S. would see an increase in severe weather patterns that disrupt electric grids, transportation, and other infrastructure because of climate change. The havoc last week’s storm wreaked on parts of the state seems to prove the 2018 prediction was right. In other words, Isaias is not an anomaly; it is a reminder of our future if we don’t curb emissions.

We can curb our emissions, though. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act will reduce America’s emissions by at least 40 percent in 12 years. If put into law right now, we could see a 90 percent reduction by 2050.

We shouldn’t accept storms like Isaias as part of the “new normal” when we have the ability to solve the problem. Let’s vote this election cycle for the environment and demand legislation like the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.

Remy Naumann

New Paltz, N.Y. The writer is a member of the

Citizens Climate Lobby.