We can all take steps to help mitigate climate change [letter]

The effects of climate change are already being felt all around Lancaster County. From heavier rainfall to rising energy costs, local residents are feeling every bit of the reliance we place on fossil fuels.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, fossil fuels still account for the largest share of U.S. energy production and consumption and are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

As a biology student at Elizabethtown College, I am seeing firsthand how these energy decisions are affecting the people around me.

According to the most recent agriculture census conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Lancaster County accounts for almost 20% of Pennsylvania agriculture sales. Our county accounts for over $1.8 billion in total products sold.

With the increase in greenhouse gas emissions due to fossil fuels, weather is increasingly fluctuating. This can lead to dry spells followed by extreme bouts of rain — neither of which a farmer wants to see.

But there is good news as well. There are steps we can take to mitigate this. Prevent energy losses in your homes through smart technology and energy-saving appliances. These steps may seem insignificant, but they can lead to decreased energy bills and less reliance on fossil fuels. Invest in solar panels that can supply off-grid energy and maybe earn you some extra money in the process.

These are all important steps you can take to help with more planet-friendly energy consumption. If enough people consistently follow these steps, we can change the world for the better.

Logan Towsen

Elizabethtown