To address challenges

We celebrate Earth Day once more. Earth Day was started in 1970 to bring American attention to the needs of the environment. These efforts led to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency, established under the Nixon administration.

Fifty years later, we are experiencing unprecedented global warming.

Last year was the second-warmest year on record. Scientists have found evidence of earlier warming and cooling periods in Earth’s history. These past warming or cooling events took millennia, centuries, not decades like we are experiencing now. One is not supposed to experience rapid global warming in one’s lifetime.

One cannot help but wonder what struggles our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will share. In Iroquois society, leaders are encouraged to consider seven generations in the future when making decisions that affect the people.

Awareness, understanding, and action to address climate have begun to some degree, but honestly, much more will need to be done.

Unfortunately, the United States is home to likely the largest group of climate-deniers in the world. Survey after survey indicates that the vast majority of Americans, regardless of political party affiliation, recognize climate change and support actions to address it. The party that once championed the environment and established the EPA is in denial and has refused to take action to address our warming planet.

It will take all of us pulling together in the same direction to suppress these rising temperatures. If the recent response to covid-19 is any indication, the steps needed to address climate change could be a challenge.

Help celebrate Earth Day by supporting and voting for political candidates prepared to address the global warming challenges facing us and our future seven generations.

JIM LEWIS

Lincoln