Leave it in the ground

I was in the Alaska Arctic last month. It was amazing to see a landscape full of birds nesting and caribou with calves and predators, all thriving because of the vast undeveloped landscape. It was also depressing to be there.

It was hot in Alaska. Hotter than it has been in any recorded time.

I saw animals suffering from unprecedented heat. And I was standing right in the place where politicians have suggested drilling for oil. If we drill for that oil, and burn it, it will be even hotter.

We all need energy. I use lots of energy. But I believe more people are realizing that the energy we are using is hurting our collective future. I also believe we are smart enough to use energy that is clean and can help our young people have a life that is not as painful as it might be if we don’t. Our ability to play in the snow, to irrigate in the summer, to breathe air that is not smoky, to avoid huge losses to wildfires, to enjoy rivers that have a healthy amount of water each year, is all slipping through our fingers.

I propose we don’t drill in the Arctic! I think it might be a good idea to leave that oil in the ground where it is not damaging our future and its removal doesn’t impact a wilderness full of life.

Kent Woodruff

Twisp, Wash.