This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Tribune's op-ed ("With gratitude, ask for a better future") by Dr. Dave Folland on Thanksgiving Day inspired my own hopeful thoughts and visions of new beginnings as the 2015 holiday season begins. This week I am particularly encouraged as the United Nations begins the COP21 summit in Paris.
This event brings together several countries and jurisdictions throughout the world to discuss measures they will take to curb climate change. Collaboration such as this is a big undertaking indeed, but leaders across the globe recognize the critical need for action.
Here in the U.S., our leaders can also come together and make bipartisan decisions to deal with climate change and its catastrophic effects. One such measure they can take is to place a nonregressive, gradually increasing fee on carbon fuels. This fee would cut emissions 50 percent by 2035. Also, according a study by the economic modeling firm REMI, it would add 2.8 million jobs to our economy.
'Tis the season for our leaders to lead by example and make positive changes by supporting the adoption of carbon use fees. Let's encourage our representatives to create the hope at home that COP21 inspires abroad!
Andrea Heidinger
Holladay