William Gran wrote a strong and clear op-ed arguing that Donald Trump’s position on climate change is nonsense. Indeed, Trump filed a permit request for one of his business properties seeking approval to build a sea wall. The application cited local regulations concerning “rising sea levels and increased storm frequency and wave energy associated with global warming” and included an environmental impact statement dealing with sea level rise and increased Atlantic storms.
He also signed a 2009 advertisement with other business leaders, asking President Obama and Congress to enact legislation to strengthen our policy response to climate change.
It’s easy to mock a businessman who flip-flops in politics like a fish out of water. However, it’s harder to hold hope in the face of rising seas and unpredictable politics. Gran failed to give readers hope.
Here’s hope: Citizens’ Climate Lobby members from all over Massachusetts are attending the organization’s annual national conference in Washington. Conference speakers will include two Florida congressmen, one a Democrat and one a Republican. Together they founded the House Climate Solutions Caucus which now has 12 members, six Democrats and six Republicans. Approximately 1,000 Americans will spend June 21 holding meetings in every congressional office.
America will get the legislation Trump asked Congress to enact in 2009 when enough Americans and American businesses demand action from elected officials. Please call your friends and family in Republican districts, and ask them to demand legislation. Act with hope.
Rabbi Judy Weiss
Brookline