Take steps to combat climate change
There is no denying that climate disruption is a problem already showing its first consequences to poorer and lower-lying communities around the world. Most people accept the problem and acknowledge that it will have consequences. The problem is that all of us, including myself, often look for the easiest way to say we are doing something, by doing only what is convenient. If everyone only does what is convenient to combat this impending issue, we will never even slow it down.
Slowly divesting yourself little by little from fossil fuels doesn't have to be hard if you do it in small steps. This might mean carpooling to combat daily errands, turning down the thermostat a few degrees, and being more careful with how you use electricity. Energy efficiency is just one way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money. With just a small fraction of the tax breaks we give to oil companies, we would be able to retrofit over a thousand homes with solar panels. Climate disruption isn't unstoppable.
As a young Alaskan, I believe it is a moral responsibility to preserve this one known planet we have for future generations. When we think about the impact that taking a few simple steps will have on the future of this planet, it all becomes worth it to use one less plastic bottle or cut down one less tree. As Margaret Mead once said, only small grass-roots efforts of motivated citizens have ever changed the world. We encourage everyone who is at all concerned about the impending effects of climate disruption to do more than what's convenient. Future generations will be forever grateful.
— Nathan Baring, age 15
West Valley High School
Fairbanks
For once, Shannyn and I agree
Wonder of wonders, I agree 100 percent with Shannyn Moore. Her "Death With Dignity" piece (Feb. 15) was dead on target, and should be especially appreciated by those of an age who may soon be faced with such a situation.
I know that Ms. Moore could not possibly be becoming conservative, so I must be turning liberal in my old age.
— Don Neal
Anchorage
Kill DST, but focus on the big issues
I've seen several comments recently on how our Legislature shouldn't be bothered with dealing with petty issues like eliminating daylight saving time in Alaska, they should focus on the big, scary issues like the impending fiscal crisis.
Well, if you've been in Alaska for more than a year or two you know that the mighty Alaska Legislature generally accomplishes zilch until a week before curtain call for the session. Therefore, it's the perfect time to rid ourselves of this pesky issue once and for all. Kill DST!
— Mark Norquist
Anchorage
Remember, Alaska is the owner state
I was thrilled to see our governor put Alaska back in the driver's seat when he appointed three Alaskans to the state gas line board. I hope our legislators put aside politics and work together to build this pipeline. With Sean Parnell's $3.5 billion farewell gift, we do not have time to waste and we cannot afford another giveaway. Alaska needs problem solvers in Juneau, not more bickering. The potential to own more then 25 percent of the gas pipeline puts Alaska first.
— Bruce Dougherty
Anchorage
Carbon tax could help reverse acidification
The Feb. 23 article "As ocean acid grows, coasts and fisheries vulnerable, study says" needs to be read. However, ocean acidification, its source (CO2), and the threat to fisheries, are not just findings from one study, but already well known. The study just fleshes out the picture across different regions. Bottom line: We need to move away from fossil fuels.
One solution would be a carbon tax, properly designed. This would help level the playing field for entrepreneurs in renewable energy to compete. Economic modeling has shown that it would be an economic benefit and a job creator. We need to take this and other solutions to our energy needs seriously, and not keep acting as if our economy can be saved by more oil production. Our economy won't do well if we destroy our fisheries (or let our communities be slowly destroyed by increasing climate change).
— Phil Somervell
Palmer
UAA administrators are overpaid
No wonder UAA is always begging for more money. They pay a select few administrators about 100 times more then they need to. How long will the state of Alaska keep feeding the beast, Mr. Gamble?
— Hal Lapointe
Anchorage
The views expressed here are the writers' own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a letter for consideration, email letters@alaskadispatch.com, or click here to submit via any web browser. Submitting a letter to the editor constitutes granting permission for it to be edited for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Send longer works of opinion to commentary@alaskadispatch.com.