David Voigts.

This summer we have been shocked by climate impacts. Massive wildfires caused smoke to pollute our air, crops were affected by drought, and heat waves caused warnings to be issued as we endured the hottest July in 120,000 years. According to the World Weather Attribution team, these events were “virtually impossible” without global warming. Despite all of this, many of our elected officials are reluctant to aggressively address climate change or in some cases even admit that it is happening.

One positive step in Congress was the formation of the Climate Solutions Caucus, although neither of our Senators nor our Representative, Ashley Hinson, have joined it. However, our Senators are supportive of alternative energy, and Rep. Hinson has introduced the bipartisan “Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act” that will expand farmers’ access to precision agriculture equipment. These programs should reduce the environmental impacts of farming.

More must be done. According to the Citizen’s Climate Lobby, the most cost-effective means to reduce global warming is to put a fee on carbon emissions and then return this money to Americans. An included carbon border adjustment mechanism would punish foreign dirty production methods. Congress should support these measures.

David Voigts is a retired ecologist and the current Conservation Chair for the Prairie Rapids Audubon Society. He is a Tama County native, graduating from Dinsdale High School, and lives in rural Jesup on his wife’s family farm.