Today our society is facing some really big challenges. As we face such challenges, it seems most people respond in one of the following ways: (1) deny it exists, (2) accept its existence but choose to ignore it, or (3) accept the challenge no matter how great and work to solve it.
In the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, the crisis has been denied or ignored by some, but fortunately we have seen great effort and cooperation to solve the challenge. This cooperation has been global. Most are listening to the science. Mask wearing is up and paying off. Vaccines were developed at unprecedented speed. As the global medical community learns more, treatments have improved. It looks like we are on a road to solving a really big challenge.
Reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is another really big challenge that is crucial to meet if we are to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. Climate change denial has pretty much gone by the wayside. But there are countless reasons why many of us still choose to ignore it.
Luckily, the “let’s solve this thing” approach is getting more traction. Support for net zero emissions is popping up everywhere. Wisconsin examples include counties passing resolutions supporting revenue neutral carbon pricing with the revenues returned to households. Cities, including Eau Claire, La Crosse, Madison and Green Bay have plans for significant emissions reductions.
There is hard work ahead of us, but the more that people shift from ignoring the challenge to meeting the challenge, the more possible solutions become, just like with the pandemic. I encourage you to meet the challenge with your voice, your vote and your choices, and help solve this really big challenge.
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Bruce Keyzer,
Sarona
