Letters for November 29, 2018

Re: “Apocalypse on the Ridge,” by Ashiah Scharaga and Melissa Daugherty (News, November 15):

The heartbreaking devastation of the Camp Fire is just one example of how climate change is already impacting, and in some cases ending, our lives. Now, climate scientists tell us that we have just 12 years to move our country off fossil fuels to avoid catastrophic climate disaster. We have the technology and the money to do so. All we need is the political will.

It is incredibly frustrating to watch the lackluster responses to and outright denials of the reality of climate change from our government. The World Health Organization states that climate change is the biggest threat to human health in this century, but our leadership seems more concerned about the “threat” of refugees. If only climate change had dark skin and a foreign accent, we’d surely be using 100 percent renewable energy by now.

We need a Green New Deal to create millions of green jobs, move our country off fossil fuels, and protect working people of all backgrounds. As of now, 11 Congress members have announced their support for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s resolution to create a House Select Committee for a Green New Deal in Congress. I call on my representative, Doris Matsui, to do the same. Our health and safety, and the health and safety of our children, is at stake.

Gabriele Quillman

Sacramento

via sactoletters@newsreview.com

A window of opportunity

Re: “Standing with the climate kids,” by Dylan Svoboda (News, November 15):

With all due respect, I think [President] Trump and other individuals need to stop beating around the bush, acknowledge climate change and address solutions in a comprehensive manner. Accordingly, we need to stop boxing climate change as a liberal or conservative polarizing issue and acknowledge the dangerous effects it has on all of us. This is not a red or a blue partisan issue, this affects everyone red, white and blue and should be treated according to such. We can all see how climate change is affecting us right now, but not everyone wants to acknowledge it or act upon it. I cannot imagine how severe climate change is going to affect future generations. Our window of opportunity to act is closing and there is no turning back, which is why we need to urge others to take action now.

Maryam Shabir

Sacramento

via sactoletters@newsreview.com

Follow the public transit path

Re: “Turning the wheel,” by Dylan Svoboda (News, November 21):

I think it is more likely the routes and the inability for the schedules to be adhered to [have caused a ridership drop]. I would recommend the [Regional Transit] board and surrounding areas meet with Denver’s [Regional Transportation District] and see how an excellent public transportation is run. Then follow through to the end not just halfway.

Elizabeth Burnside

Sacramento

via Twitter

Correction

Due to an editing error, the story “Turning the wheel” (News, November 21, 2018) incorrectly reported that Sacramento Regional Transit ridership declined despite lower fares. Ridership declined 7.6 percent between September 2017 and September 2018. SacRT lowered its fares starting October 1. SN&R regrets the error.