Letters to the Editor 6-9: Climate action and political rhetoric - The Macomb Daily

Letters to the Editor 6-9: Climate action and political rhetoric - Macomb Daily

The time to act is now

The ozone layer is getting depleted and our atmosphere is deteriorating. I know that was a strong entrance but it is true, our world as we know it is slowly dying and it is up to us, the people, to fix it; the change begins with us.

Greenhouse gases are the source of our problems. Greenhouse gases are gases that absorb infrared radiation, think carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons. The greenhouse gas effect is what is causing global warming, and as much as people like to say that, “Global Warming is fake!” They are wrong. It is a very real and pressing issue that is affecting not only us humans but the animals around us and plants we rely on for food. Over the past few decades the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming has increased like crazy. Our warmest years on record were all within a decade of each other; the year 2023 was the warmest year recorded since the original records began in 185, the 10 warmest years in the 174 years of records all occurred during 2014-23. It has been 47 years since the Earth has had a record breaking low annual temperature.

There needs to be a change in the way we live and in the way we act. There is still time to reverse the effects of global warming, we still have time to change the world, but everyone needs to do their part. Save energy at home: switch to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient appliances instead of electricity and heat powered by coal, oil, and gas. Walk, bike, or carpool instead of driving everywhere yourself. Eat more vegetables. No I’m not saying that you need to become a vegetarian and never eat meat, but eating less meat and dairy by replacing them with vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds can significantly lower your environmental impact; with less meat being consumed, less needs to be manufactured, meaning less methane gas being emitted by animals and fewer greenhouse gas emissions, less energy, land, and water is being used.

There is still time for you to make a difference, you can start today even by just changing what you eat for dinner. We can still turn back the clocks on climate change and global warming, it is not a hoax and can no longer be ignored.

Mackenzie Martin and Julie Johnson

Clinton Twp.

Election season clearly is here

Election time is near; just listen to all the claims of accomplishments by our representatives. We have one representative more concerned about Palestine than her own district or our Southern border. Two of our senators pledging their undying dedication and devotion to preserving our Great Lakes, and yet we find the lakes becoming more and more polluted. Today we hear of a reduction in asylum seekers, now, instead of going through the proper channels to become a citizen just pussy foot over the Rio Grande and voila, you’re home scott free with the blessings of those we elected. Forget our laws and rules, forget the consequences we are now facing, both in crime and homelessness, just remember who is footing the bill, and who will be for quite some time. And you can rest assured it won’t be those we elected.

Ronald Navickas

Shelby Twp.