Reducing carbon is just one step to take
I understand that climate change poses an unprecedented threat to wildlife ó changing, shrinking and destroying habitat, forcing wildlife to migrate or adapt, or even threatening their very existence.
The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change warns that if we don’t take strong action to address global warming soon, 20-30 percent of the world’s plant and animal species will be at increased risk of extinction by 2050.
I understand that, fortunately, there is something that can be done.
This summer, the House of Representatives passed legislation to both reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases that are triggering climate change and take steps to safeguard natural resources and wildlife threatened by the changes in climate already set in motion. Now the Senate is moving on similar legislation recently introduced by Senators Boxer and Kerry.
However, reducing carbon emissions is not enough. Any comprehensive climate and energy legislation must dedicate 5 percent of the funding generated to safeguarding fish and wildlife and the natural resources on which we all rely.
Our senators should know that their constituents expect nothing less.
ó Larry Jones
China Grove
Please vote
I am afraid that many Rowan County residents are not aware that the current election cycle involves more than the selection of municipal officials.
Also on the ballot for the November election is the quarter-cent sales tax that will affect all citizens. Unless everyone gets out and votes, a very small number of people will decide this very critical issue.
Every registered voter in Rowan County can vote in this year’s election. Please inform your relatives, your friends and your neighbors that they need to either vote early or on Nov. 3.
This is one of the few opportunities we as citizens have to decide for ourselves whether we want new and higher taxes. For more information regarding voting, you may contact the Board of Elections.
ó Jim Sides
Salisbury