Who could have predicted that there would be a shortage of Christmas trees for 2021? Yes, the West forest fires destroyed our pines and we inhaled smoke for several months. But did you consider the many Christmas trees that turned bright red from sunburns in 2021? 117-degree summer heat? Extreme weather due to a changing environment made it difficult for tree growers to make a living. It was also more costly for families trying to find the perfect tree.
It is absurd to say we don’t have the perfect trees or have any trees at all. There is so much suffering due to climate change. Our Mother Earth is warning us that we must reduce carbon pollution quickly and dramatically.
Citizens, who want legislative action on climate change, can contact their elected leaders in Utah to ask for their help. Dividend and carbon fee. This policy is the best and most effective solution. It’s the only policy that returns money to families and rewards them for reducing their emissions.
No matter what tree you have, you can open the gift of civic engagement. Invite your neighbours to join you in generating political will for the preservation of our precious Earth, our common home.
Karen Jackson
Salt Lake City
