Heed youth message on climate

Kudos to the participants in the Youth Climate March (July 21, “‘We Are Tired of Accepting the Worst From Our Leaders.’ Young Marchers Push for Climate Action”) for demanding the future that they deserve. With a clear scientific consensus that human activity is responsible for rising temperatures and greater uncertainty, these young marchers are right to demand change and action.

Unfortunately, too many of our political leaders are going exactly the wrong way on this important topic. Despite strong evidence that a well-constructed price on carbon can help cut emissions while creating economic opportunities, the Republican-led U.S. House last week passed a nonbinding resolution rejecting a carbon tax, citing economic concerns.

Fortunately, there are some in Congress who are moving in the right direction. Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo of Florida is proposing a tax on producers of fuels associated with carbon emissions. It’s not perfect — many climate change leaders prefer the Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s Carbon Fee and Dividend proposal, which would put a fee on carbon emissions and return all proceeds to ratepayers. However, any step toward concrete and meaningful proposals for fighting climate change are most welcome. In the meantime, thanks to the youth marchers. Let’s hope that Mayor Bill Peduto, county Executive Rich Fitzgerald, U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Forest Hills, and other leaders heed their message. HARRY HOCHHEISER

Squirrel Hill