Hot enough for you? This week’s melting temperatures have us longing for faster climate change solution implementation in case this is the new norm. Because according to Rob Thompson, a meteorological researcher at the University of Reading, “two international research teams published studies suggesting that global warming would intensify changes in atmospheric and ocean circulation in ways that accelerate the trend towards hotter summers. Even without these changes, global warming is bound to intensify heatwaves.” Just last week, Quriyat, Oman set the record for the highest low temperature on record, 109 degrees. (No thank you.)
This week’s must read: A carbon tax that could put money in your pocket (Chicago Tribune) “Right now, most people in Washington show little interest in finding sensible solutions that can attract support across the political spectrum. If and when that changes, the carbon dividends plan should be high on the list.” (Side note: we were particularly thrilled to see the Chicago Tribune finally editorialize positively on this issue.)
And another: Taxing carbon emissions protects liberty, spurs innovation by Josiah Neeley and new republicEn.org spokesperson Emily Collins (Texas Tribune): “People who make a mess should bear the costs of doing so that’s personal responsibility. While there are many unknowns in the climate debate, the fact that carbon emissions pose risks is hard to deny. According to a statement unanimously signed by members of the Atmospheric Sciences Department at Texas A&M, greenhouse gas emissions are very likely making the planet warmer, and ‘continued rising temperatures risk serious challenges for human society.’ Unlike the environmental left, which seeks to end all use of fossil fuels, a carbon tax would simply keep emitters from imposing the costs of their actions on non-consenting third parties.”
Hey, hey, hey, goodbye: On Thursday, amid controversies over his lavish spending and other ethical lapses, Scott Pruitt resigned his post as Administrator of the EPA. In response, the nation’s ecosystems heaved a sigh of relief. House Climate Solutions Caucus co-founder Rep. Carlos Curbelo had this to say:
This step was long overdue. @ScottPruittOK was never the right choice to lead the @EPA & his scandal-plagued tenure has been an embarrassment to the Agency & grossly disrespectful to American taxpayers. https://t.co/v5ticXlCls
Rep. Carlos Curbelo (@RepCurbelo) July 5, 2018
Pruitt is regarded as instrumental in convincing President Donald Trump to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord. For now, Deputy Administrator Andrew Wheeler, who has made his own appearance as climate jester, will serve as Acting Administrator. For analysis on how the trajectory of the agency will basically remain the same, check out Axios.
Meet the EcoRight: Chris Casey has been on fire since joining the ranks of the republicEn.org spokesperson team, with an op-ed Informed, not brainwashed published in May in the Texas Tribune (later republished in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram) and last week, a letter to the editor in the Houston Chronicle. He’s active on social media (find him on Twitter at @CCasey_3) and we know he’s got more up his sleeve. This U.S. Army veteran grew up in the panhandle of Texas, where he witnessed the devastating effects that historical droughts have brought over the last eight years. From restricted water usage to bad crop seasons, Chris has seen the impact climate change can have on small farming communities. We caught up with (to!) Chris to ask a few questions, which you can find the answers to here. On Sunday, you can check out his latest op-ed in the Armarillo Globe-News. (Yes, we will share the link when it’s live.)
Climate jester: Climate hoaxer groups led by the American Energy Alliance are pushing for lawmakers to sign a letter supporting an anti-carbon tax resolution, one that unfortunately has previously passed. While the pessimists rally around what would be a non-binding resolution, the EcoRight is energized that they are so fearful of our progress. For trying to get members on record against their districts’ own best interest, we give the movement pushing the resolution this week’s jester honors.
Off to the weekend we run! For good measure, I once again share the best recipe for frosé (frozen rosé). Enjoy!