The climate is changing

Wisconsin’s prolonged rains this year have kept the governor busy inspecting damage, issuing emergency declarations, and toting up costs (“Wisconsin records wettest half-year on record,” Aug. 9).

Connect the dots. The newest National Climate Assessment presents findings from the most up-to-date data and analysis, but its conclusions are unchanged. Human activity has caused by far the largest portion of climate change, one manifestation of which is recordsetting rains such as those we have experienced this year.

Most Americans are concerned about climate change and want to “do something” about it. Moreover, whether we call it climate change or something else, many of us have endured its costly and worsening consequences and want to “do something” about those, too. Despite the administration’s dangerous, ill-advised policies and cover-ups, the majority of us understand what is happening to the climate and we can’t unknow what we know.

Fortunately, significant climate action is being taken throughout all public and private sectors, and this is unstoppable. However, those who are merely informed and concerned must become concerned enough to act faster and more aggressively. Private citizens can also act at the ballot box. Gov. Scott Walker, Sen. Ron Johnson, and House Speaker Paul Ryan, take note.

Carol Steinhart Madison