To the editor:

There are a multitude of problems in the world that can and should be of concern to us, both for ourselves and for our children and grandchildren. After reflection, I believe there are three scenarios that pose the greatest threats to our entire world. Either all out nuclear war or an out of control epidemic of antibiotic resistant organisms –a super Ebola — could create a world my grandchildren might not want to inhabit. These are possible. The more certain threat, however, unless we intervene effectively, is climate change. Frank Lingo provided a good summary of the situation in Monday’s Journal-World.

What can we as individuals do? Using cloth shopping bags, installing solar panels or using public transportation are good things to do, but their practical value is mostly in demonstrating that we care enough to take action ourselves. Truly effective action requires multiplying our individual intentions in a way only governments and corporations can do. This president is not going to provide leadership on climate change. Local and state governments and corporations are more likely to be able to take meaningful action, and many are trying. Lawrence is taking a variety of steps from increasing energy efficiency to installation of solar panels. We need to keep encouraging city and state leadership to pursue CO2 reduction as a requirement of public policy.

We must make climate change a major issue in every election. We must elect people who recognize the urgency of action on this crucial issue.

Joe Douglas,

Lawrence