‘American spirit’ should lead to carbon reductions

Thank you for publishing Art Hobson’s July 18 piece “The USA is in trouble,” which exposes the United States’ societal ailments, policy shortcomings and collective poverty compared to international standards.

I agree with Dr. Hobson that challenges abound. Despair and cynicism are easy; lengthening Dr. Hobson’s list of common ills even easier, with the most obvious addition being addiction to fossil fuels and federal reluctance to lead this nation into a healthier energy economy and an environmentally sustainable future.

Dr. Hobson suggests learning from the temperament and policies of achieving western nations. I don’t dispute this, but I also believe these times call us to remember who we are. Our cup, as Dr. Hobson notes, is indeed half full. Innovation, leadership, generosity, reason, adaptability, investment, responsibility and conservation inform the American spirit.

Concerning climate change, that spirit is already hard at work. For example, here in Arkansas forward thinking, methane-reducing, rice farmers recently sold their first carbon credits to Microsoft on California’s carbon market. Additionally, L’Oreal’s 3,528 solar panel array is now online in North Little Rock.

National carbon pricing can further catalyze the best of America, empowering businesses, consumers, innovators and investors to transition us from dirty fuels to clean. Research shows that well-structured national carbon fee and dividend policy would, over 20 years, reduce carbon emissions 50 percent below 1990 levels, create 2.8 million additional jobs above baseline, protect middle- and working-class families, and prevent 230,000 premature deaths. That’s more than a cup half full. JAN SCHAPER Eureka Springs