As I write this Florida is bracing for yet another massive hurricane system to cross its peninsula. There are countless people nowhere near the oncoming wind, rain and storm surges that will be catastrophic for those who have yet to — or are unable to — evacuate. I’m in Illinois. But my sister is in Florida. Fingers crossed.
The media coverage of this horrific threat to property and lives states the facts based on meteorological science, radar, storm chasers, and the like. What isn’t much included in such reporting is the cause of two monstrous hurricanes in two weeks. That cause being, according to climate scientists, is 150 years or so of using fossil fuels as an energy source.
In 1968 the Stanford Research Institute raised a red flag about the dangers of continued reliance on fossil fuels. Our political leaders did seem concerned back then. But not for long. Big Oil. Pushback. Reduce emissions? Manufacture alternative fuel vehicles? And reduce profit?!
Fifty-six years later, the climate science warnings about potential consequences have become a grim reality. Floods. Wildfires. Drought. Historic weather events are more the norm than the exception. Helene and now Milton are the latest clear evidence that, yes, our decades of political and corporate malpractice have come home to roost.
Along these decades of inaction, some political candidates have clearly demanded policies to mitigate the climate chaos. Few of those candidates were listened to, let alone elected. The upcoming election features two major party candidates. It should be the major issue.
My last letter invoked a third party candidate, that being the Green Party. Its candidate for president is being very vocal about the climate issue, if only her voice were included in the debates, in column inches of actual journalistic responsibility. Her voice and that of others who want this political malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance to end need to be heard far and wide.
If our electoral system worked for the greater good, really good people could get elected. If you’re afraid of another Trump administration but succumb to the third party “wasted vote” lie, but truly dislike both major candidates, you can vote third party. Your vote will count. And your conscience will be clean. And just maybe, in another few election cycles, much positive change can happen by addressing climate chaos and other desperately needed course corrections too.
Joseph Harrington
Oak Park