Letters to the Editor: Holding grief, hope together in the fight against climate change
Holding grief, hope together in the fight against climate change
I was heartened reading "How climate scientists keep hope alive as damage worsens” by Seth Borenstein. The challenge is daunting and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and hopeless.
United Nations Environment Programme Director Inger Andersen said working to mitigate climate change requires “realistic optimism.” She does not subscribe to “holding one’s ears and waiting for doomsday or dancing to the orchestra as the Titanic sinks.”
Like many of life’s challenges, climate activism requires doing what you can and trusting that some of the seeds you plant will flourish. Individual actions such as eating local food, including pasture raised and finished meat, eliminating food waste, composting, driving and flying less, and participating in solar energy projects are important but individual actions have limited effects.
Consider joining a climate-based organization where your actions are amplified. The Sierra Club, Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council and the Citizens’ Climate Lobby are all organizations advocating for effective climate policies. The Citizens’ Climate Lobby supports taxing polluters like fossil fuel companies and returning those dollars to citizens to help pay for the transition to clean, renewable energy. Carbon fee, dividend, and border adjustment (to keep the U.S. competitive in global trade) is the most efficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and put us on a path to a safer, healthier planet.
Act today and join a group like the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (citizensclimatelobby.org). There’s a chapter in Petoskey! Contact Sens. Stabenow and Peters (senate.gov/general/contacting.) Ask them to pass climate legislation that includes putting a price on carbon.
Susan Holcombe
Ellsworth
Be safe as motorcycles rejoin the road for summer
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, an annual 31 days designated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as a time for all motorists to focus attention on reducing risk for riders across the country.
Each of us has our own story about what attracted us to motorcycling. Senator Ernst has been riding for decades, crisscrossing Iowa’s highways on her black 2009 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe. After riding in college, Congressman Burgess renewed his love for motorcycles when he became caretaker to his son’s motorcycle while deployed to Turkey as part of the Armed Forces. Congressman Walberg’s passion for riding nationally and internationally has spanned over 50 years — from his first motorcycle, a 1964 Honda Dream, to his current one, a 2002 Harley Road King. Sen. Peters started a newspaper route at age 11 in order to save up and buy his first mini-bike – and shortly after was able to buy his first motorcycle. He rides across Michigan as part of his annual motorcycle tour to meet with folks directly and discuss the issues that matter to them most.
With warmer days approaching, May is an ideal month for car drivers, truck drivers and motorcyclists to work actively and collectively on safely sharing our public roads.
Motorcycling is a great American tradition enjoyed by an estimated 30 million people across all 50 states. Last year, for a second consecutive year, new motorcycle and scooter sales were up by double digits. In 2021, Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCourse enrollment increased by nearly 50 percent. This growth of motorcycling in the United States shows no sign of slowing down.
Fortunately, there are a number of simple things that all motorists can do that will lower the risk to riders and help to make every ride safe and enjoyable. All motorists should always maintain awareness of traffic laws and individual limitations. We must give each other space on the roadway so that all motorists can react quickly to changing road conditions and traffic.
Motorcyclists can be harder to see on the road due to the smaller vehicle size and due to blind spots. For that reason, every driver and rider should focus on driving and riding by eliminating distractions, such as cell phone usage. It is clear from research, and by witnessing it firsthand every day, that many drivers do not realize the danger posed by distracted driving.
Riders, too, can make a big difference when it comes to increasing their safety. There are some simple steps that can easily save lives, whether you are a first-time rider or a seasoned veteran: never drink and ride, obtain the proper license, and know how to safely operate your motorcycle. Experienced motorcyclists can improve their safety by taking occasional refresher training sessions or advanced courses. All riders benefit from skills practice and a review of important real-world street strategies.
Another critical safety component of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is the need for other road users to be aware of motorcycles. Serving as the co-chairs of the House and Senate Motorcycle Caucuses, we join the motorcycling community to educate other motorists and increase their awareness of motorcyclists on the road. Riders can do their part by having their headlight on (even during daylight hours), wearing bright and noticeable safety gear, and riding responsibly. In addition, all road users can increase safety by being cautious and always “taking a second look” before pulling out or turning.
On the road we are all one community, and we need to look out for one another. Let’s make this Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month the start of a fun and safe summer. Together, we can make this the safest year ever for motorcyclists.
Sen. Gary Peters
D-Michigan
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Letters to the Editor: Holding grief, hope together in the fight against climate change
