Aging dams vulnerable to impact of climate change

Your excellent continuing coverage of the Oroville Dam situation and the Feb. 16 article, “Research: Oceans are losing oxygen,” have two themes in common: water, of course, and a direct link to climate change.

Our aging dams and infrastructure are particularly vulnerable to the “new normal” California climate with years of drought followed by extreme wet periods.

Oceans worldwide, including the Pacific, are vulnerable too, and are experiencing a decline in the amount of dissolved oxygen, “a long-predicted result of climate change that could have severe consequences for marine organisms.”

How many scientific studies or crises will it take before we have the political will to acknowledge that the planet is in peril and take action to stop burning fossil fuels?

The recent proposal of a carbon tax by senior Republican statesmen was welcome news.

May the new Congress find a way to do the right thing.