Climate future

Regarding “How could Trump go for clean energy? Texas-style” (Gray Matters, HoustonChronicle.com, Monday), Marilu Hastings, of the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, brilliantly suggests that “Trump could establish himself as a respected world leader in addressing climate change by supporting the revenue-neutral carbon tax that dozens of thoughtful conservatives support, but few in Washington are willing to discuss openly.”

Indeed, the market, in conjunction with government policies, is already working to make wind and solar competitive with fossil fuels in the generation of electricity. Also in alignment with conservative principles, cities and states around the country are leading with bold climate action on the local level.

In an open letter, Mayor Sylvester Turner joined 44 other U.S. mayors, calling on the president-elect to “lead us in expanding the renewable energy sources we need to achieve energy security, address climate change and spark a new manufacturing, energy and construction boom in America [… ]And we ask that you shift to embrace the Paris Climate Agreement and make U.S. cities your partner in doing so.”

Climate change not only threatens us with catastrophic results if we do not act wisely and boldly, but offers us immense opportunities for a bright and prosperous future if we do. Jimmy Pryor, Houston