It took a persevering group of high school students to get the Utah Legislature to formally acknowledge our changing climate. After failing at the last session, a “worded-down” resolution passed both houses, affirming “that we should prioritize our understanding and use of sound science to address causes of a changing climate.”
The difficulty of crafting acceptable language made me wonder how other groups and individuals state their positions on climate change. Here are three statements:
The Department of Defense in a July 2015 report to Congress: “Global climate change will aggravate problems such as poverty, social tensions, environmental degradation, ineffectual leadership and weak political institutions that threaten stability in a number of countries.”
The American Petroleum Institute in a May 2017 report: ”It is clear that climate change is a serious issue that requires research for solutions and effective policies that allow us to meet our energy needs while protecting the environment.”
Mitt Romney stated at a conference in January 2015: “I’m one of those Republicans who think we are getting warmer and that we contribute to that.”
Our Legislature is more timid but it’s making progress. Now is the time to suggest legislation for next year’s session that directly addresses the phenomenon. It’s urgent!
Craig Blouin, Millcreek