October 14, 2018
Climate change, (click here) scientists say, is responsible for the recent extreme weather in Pennsylvania — heat waves, torrential rain and flooding. These weather changes are not merely inconvenient, as demonstrated by a natural gas pipeline rupture that caused a terrifying explosion and fire, destroying a house, several garages and vehicles. The cause: a landslide brought about by heavy rain the previous four days.
In my neighborhood, the South Side Slopes, we’ve lost several streets to landslides, streets we’re told there is no money to repair. As hillsides continue to slide, several of my neighbors worry about losing their houses, consulting engineers and building expensive retaining walls. If action isn’t taken, we will surely see more weather-related calamities in the future.
We can’t count on politicians in Washington, D.C., to combat climate change as the Trump administration’s announced rollbacks of carbon and methane gas emission limits make clear. And so far, state policymakers in both parties have shown little inclination to enact policies that would make a difference in this fight.
The problem of climate change and the underlying causes can no longer be ignored. Fortunately, a statewide coalition has developed the PA Common Conservation Agenda. Among its recommendations: increasing investment in clean energy sources; restoring funding to the state agencies responsible for permitting and monitoring pipeline construction; and encouraging more energy-efficient green construction practices.
With a pivotal election on Nov. 6, it is time take our demands for action on climate change directly to the candidates running for governor and the general assembly.
Jessica Benham
South Side
South Side
