This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Emma Penrod's two excellent articles on water ("Competing interests take toll on water quality, resources," Sept. 8, and "Dry spell a drain on 2017 outlook," Sept. 9) are related in ways that might not be apparent. Both algal blooms and our stored water are affected by climate change.
2014 and 2015 broke global records for the hottest year on record, and 2016 is on track to create another heat milestone. Warmer temperatures hold more moisture in the air, creating more severe droughts. Is there any wonder that in Eric Ellis' words "this year [Utah Lake] was low much earlier than past years"?
We definitely need to address these short-term issues, but we also need to address the global issue of a warming planet. Utahns can do their part by supporting market-based policies, such as carbon fee and dividend or a carbon tax ("A shorter bridge," Bloomberg View, Sept. 12).
Please ask our candidates how they intend to address a warming climate by submitting your question to the Utah Debate Commission. Those candidates with no answer should be hung out to dry.
David Folland
Citizens Climate Lobby
Salt Lake City