Fight climate change

I found a recent article (Saudis ink deal for solar project) in the Democrat-Gazette to be quite interesting. In summary, Saudi Arabia plans to build a $200 billion solar power facility. The article states that the project will create as many as 100,000 jobs and shave $40 billion off power costs. The project would almost triple Saudi Arabia’s electricity generating capacity.

This project is still in the planning stages, but it demonstrates that Saudi Arabia, highly dependent on fossil fuel revenue, recognizes the need to diversify power generation from both an economic and environmental standpoint. This is in direct contrast to the administration policy in the United States, which promotes the production and use of fossil fuels while suppressing discussion on the impact of climate change caused by greenhouse gas generation. As examples, we are the lone nation to not sign on to the Paris Accord, and the EPA is attempting to reduce vehicle fuel efficiency standards.

Fortunately, much of the world and many U.S. states, localities, and industries recognize the need to combat climate change. For instance, Walmart has launched “Project Gigaton,” asking suppliers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one gigaton by the year 2030, the equivalent to taking 211 million passenger vehicles off U.S. roads for an entire year.

There is also movement in Congress. The Climate Solutions Caucus in the House of Representatives has recently expanded to over 70 members. This is a bipartisan group consisting of equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans dedicated to finding economically viable solutions to climate change. There are currently no members from Arkansas. Perhaps pressure from constituents can change that. ROBERT BROWN

Bella Vista