On climate, an ethical challenge

In his book, “A Perfect Moral Storm: The ethical tragedy of climate change,” Stephen M. Gardiner writes that, although climate change is usually discussed in scientific and economic terms, “the deepest challenge is ethical.”

According to Gardiner: “What matters most is what we do to protect those vulnerable to our actions and unable to hold us accountable, especially the global poor, future generations and nonhuman nature.”

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt resigned due to ethical investigations into mundane matters, such as aides running personal errands and a sweetheart rental deal. I believe the larger issue is that, as a result of Pruitt’s leadership, the EPA is failing to address one of the greatest moral obligations of our generation.

There are ways to fight climate change, such as a revenue-neutral carbon fee and dividend program, that are consistent with conservative values and that would reduce emissions while protecting the poor and the economy.

I am heartened to see that the House of Representative’s bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus is now up to 84 members, including Wisconsin Republican Mike Gallagher and Democrat Ron Kind. We need to spend more time discussing climate solutions, and we need to engage all people of all political persuasions in those conversations.

Terry Hansen Oak Creek