Agriculture threat

The Sept. 7 article "Farmers Warned as Climate Change Threatens Crops" displays the urgency for a transition to a clean energy economy. A clean energy economy is key to preserving our farming families, our communities and our way of life. Pollution from burning carbon-based fuels is the No. 1 cause of the climate crisis, and we have already begun to experience the consequences of a warming planet: Temperatures are climbing; sea levels are rising; and storms, droughts, floods, heat waves and wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. The 10 hottest years on record have all occurred in the past 13 years.

These effects are taking their toll on American agriculture. Failure to take action to address the climate crisis will continue to have devastating impacts on our agriculture industry and the families who depend on farming.

Because America's history is so strongly rooted in agriculture, it's only natural that the agriculture sector be a driving force behind the transition to a clean energy economy. Increasing our investment in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency will not only reduce harmful global warming pollution, it will also save our families money on energy bills. It's time for our nation's oldest industry -- our agriculture industry -- to help usher in the new, clean energy economy of the future.

 

JACLYN HANCOCK
Energy Associate
PennEnvironment
Squirrel Hill