Ben Abbott’s recent op-ed in The Tribune highlighted the importance of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day for our fight against pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic (“Earth Day at 50 has never been so relevant,” April 21). I thank him for his wisdom and the reminder that pollution kills 15.1 million people a year, a statistic much greater than the worst projections for COVID-19.
I know that pollution is a very important issue for us Utahns, most Utahans rank concern for air quality above concern for education, but why aren’t we addressing it the way we are addressing the virus? Every gubernatorial candidate has a plan to fight our bad air quality. We all came together to slow the spread of the virus, resulting in fewer infections and casualties. Why can’t we do the same for our air?
After the pandemic has run its course, we could put the same willpower into fighting for clean air. We could all strive to use public transportation more. We could urge our lawmakers to emphasize clean energy, efficient transportation, and efficient energy use when they make new policies.
Some may say that COVID-19 is a more relevant threat that is easier to combat, but we have the science and the knowledge to easily fight air pollution now. If we can do it for COVID-19, I have faith that we can fight for clean air with just as much willpower and togetherness.
Abigail Banks, Murray