Climate Change Must Be A Top Priority

What was most frightening this past Monday night at the League of Women Voter’s candidate forum with Liuba Grechen Shirley and Peter King was the response given by Mr King to the question about what he would do about climate change.

Mr. King argued that it was essential that we withdraw from the Paris Accord, which as the rest of us know set necessary goals we need to reach as a planet to reduce global warming. His only solution was to suggest that we pass “reasonable restrictions," address the problem “rationally," and we don’t close down industries. Never once did he mention increasing our use of clean, renewable energy, and making combatting climate change a priority. In fact, his voting record shows that he consistently votes against any measures designed to cut down on emissions of the various gases that cause global warming and result in climate change.

In fact, in response to a question about national security, King scoffed at even mentioning climate change as a concern from a national security perspective. If ever there was an issue where he has demonstrated just what a dinosaur he is and how desperately we need to replace him and his old fossil fuel ways, this is it.

Contrast him with Liuba, who proudly stated her support of the OFF Fossil Fuels Act, which will get us to 100% clean renewable energy sources by 2035. Liuba stated how she had read the United Nations report predicting climate disasters by 2040 if we don’t address the issue now. She explained how climate change affects every aspect of our lives especially on Long Island, with the rising sea levels, increasingly powerful storms, and rising flood and home insurance premiums. She spoke about the reality that some of our district could be under water in a few years if nothing is done, and that it is not enough just to rebuild after these storms because they are going to keep coming and getting stronger.

Liuba emphasized investing in clean, renewable energy, which, it has been shown, will create the better paying jobs we so desperately need, especially on LI. She again stressed how it’s very much an economic issue and if left unchecked, will result in a global, climate change refugee crisis as more places on the earth become unlivable due to droughts, food shortages, and loss of lands due to rising sea levels.

And she cited a very good reason that we address this issue head on now — our children.

Now which candidate gets it? Yes, and we need to vote her into office on Nov. 6.