Protect the atmosphere

In our polarized political climate, here’s one thing the most far-right conservative and the most far-left liberal can agree on: We must protect our planet’s fragile atmosphere. Without it, life on Earth can’t be sustained.

And yet, our atmosphere is being treated as an open sewer. No group of people, industries or countries should be allowed to use up our air’s pollution-carrying capacity and overwhelm the atmosphere’s fragile balance.

Our representatives have responded responsibly in the past to scientists’ warnings about atmospheric pollution, both in passing legislation to control acid rain and stop the expanding hole in the ozone layer. Because of Congress’ actions, these threats to our atmosphere have been lessened.

We need that kind of congressional action now, as scientists warn that greenhouse gases from pollution caused by human actions are causing Earth to warm dangerously. Please take action by letting your representatives know that you demand limits to greenhouse gas pollution. It’s up to you and me to see that our fragile atmosphere survives for future generations.

This story was originally published September 12, 2017 at 5:48 PM with the headline "Protect the atmosphere."