This week, Rep.Chris Gibson emerged as a potential leader in Congress in one of the least looked-for places: addressing climate change.

Rep. Gibson announced his intention to introduce a resolution to help others “recognize the reality” of climate change and ensure lawmakers are put on the record. He has recognized that the science is clear: we are not moving quickly enough to avoid catastrophic climate change. He has recognized that our country needs firm leadership to reduce our emissions. He has decided to lead his party and others in recognizing that it is time to do what is right.

We desperately need this kind of leadership. While a resolution calling all of us to the hard tasks ahead will not by itself reduce carbon emissions, it is a clarion call of leadership. Regardless of our political affiliations, regardless of our differing views, we must all agree to act to preserve our home. Rep. Gibson is calling us to come together and acknowledge that we must act rationally to respond to the clear evidence in front of us: that we are in danger of devastating effects from climate change.

It is essential that we all support this call to action. Thank you, Rep. Gibson, for recognizing that greater action is required. Thank you for being willing to face the difficult task of uniting our divided legislators to do what we all know is the right thing: act together to cut our carbon emissions and avoid the worst impacts of business as usual. I urge all of the citizens of the 19th District of New York to let Congressman Gibson know that we support this resolution.

Claire Cortright

Upper Delaware Valley Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Glen Spey, NY