At the March 27 Legislative Breakfast there was much discussion of the Affordable Heat Act, S.5. Representative Joseph Andriano stated that he would vote against the bill for a few reasons, including its claim that it will be carbon reducing. He argued that Vermont’s contribution to greenhouse gas emission is minuscule on a global scale. (I paraphrase). This is a terrible attitude! Arguing that it is OK for Vermont to shove the issue aside, means that it’s also OK for Idaho, Colorado, Georgia, the rest of the states and 100-plus countries to do likewise. The results would be disastrous. Vermont’s contribution to easing the climate crisis may be tiny. But acting collaboratively with other states and countries can produce positive results.

We as individuals face the same dilemma. Our acts to reduce our personal carbon footprints may seem insignificant on a global scale. But we can accomplish something positive if we act collaboratively with like-minded people and with organizations having a global reach. A few of these organizations are: 350.org, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) and Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Our support of such organizations is our best route toward a carbon minimum future.

I can’t stress strongly enough how important it is to take action on climate change now. This is reason to pass the Affordable Heat Act, not to defeat it.

Gordon Cawood

Middlebury