Don’t fear climate action

The Spokesman-Review’s recent editorial (Feb. 2) is about fearing climate action. Do not fear climate action. Fear the failure to take effective climate action.

The editorial suggests that mitigating climate change will lead to societal collapse. On the contrary, it is the failure to act effectively that will lead to societal collapse. Drastically reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, using our food resources much more wisely, and developing a more just economy will create a better future.

The editorial also fears that, if Washington adopts a clean fuel standard, we will lose people and businesses to Idaho. But the record is quite clear. Washington cares more about social justice and does more to regulate business practices than Idaho. If favoring environmental protection and fair wages were a problem, Idaho would already be the more attractive state. But the data favors Washington. For example, Washington ranks higher than Idaho on both Forbes’ list of best states for business and the Tax Foundation’s Business Tax Climate Index.

The S-R even fears electric cars. Life cycle analyses show that electric cars generate much fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuel cars. Moreover, most major car manufacturers are moving toward electric vehicles. It’s not just Tesla, Nissan, Toyota and Kia. General Motors is coming out with electric Jeeps. Volkswagen is creating a large number of electric vehicles. Ford is developing an electric F-150.

Don’t be afraid of effective climate action. A future with it is much better than a future without it

Larry Luton

Spokane