Opinions

OPINION: We NEED to combat climate change

July 29, 2013 By Dr. Robert Puca For Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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I support President Obama’s recently announced plan to combat climate change and advance clean energy. The plan calls for reducing carbon pollution from power plants–our largest source of pollution driving climate change–that also harms our health and economy.

We are already seeing the effects of climate change: storms are becoming more intense, heat waves more severe, drought more persistent and wildfire more prevalent. Superstorm Sandy alone caused more than $1 billion in damages and a loss of life that cannot be quantified.

Rising temperatures also trigger more bad-air days, which are of particular concern for the young, the elderly and those with asthma and other health issues. We can’t afford to ignore these costs any longer.

Investing in renewable energy, increased efficiency and pollution controls will create jobs and a more resilient economy. In fact, history has shown when we rein in pollution we get a big bang for our buck. Since 1970 every $1 in investment in compliance with Clean Air Act standards has produced $4-8 in economic benefits.

When it comes to our climate, the costs of inaction are mounting. We owe it to our children and future generations to rise to this challenge.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert Puca