County fair season was dampened last week as a haze of smoke sent many Hoosiers indoors. Hundreds of miles away from the wildfires in Ontario, many Indiana residents began checking the air quality index daily, especially those living with asthma.
Our immediate reaction to these fires ought to be compassion for our neighbors, remembering that the United States has had its share of natural disasters. Preparing for a changing climate must happen in both our homes and our statehouse. Families must have safety plans in the event of fires, floods and tornadoes, but the state must provide adequate environmental protections to mitigate risks.
Kathleen Van Antwerp
Warsaw
Time’s running out
This summer we have once again experienced the invasion of wildfire smoke from forests thousands of miles away ― a reminder that climate change affects Michiana, not just the coasts. We have also learned that the disease-carrying lone star tick has arrived in Indiana, a parasite that once was found only in the hotter and more humid southeastern United States but has increasingly found climate conditions in the Midwest to its liking.
On July 17, South Bend had an air quality index reading of 423, reportedly the worst on record for our area. Nearby Chicago had an AQI of over 400, the worst in the world for a major city. An AQI reading over 300 is considered hazardous to humans, especially to the elderly and the very young. Smoke from wildfires contains particulate matter from burned wood, plastics, houses, vehicles, propane tanks and hazardous chemicals that can cause respiratory problems, heart attacks and strokes.
Wildfires may be ignited by lightening or fireworks, but long-term weather patterns fueled by climate change have brought drought and extreme heat that spawn mega-wildfires that burn for months.
Time is running out for our government to act on climate change, and the urgency is great. Congress should pass comprehensive permitting reform legislation that speeds up our transition away from fossil fuels and toward cheap, abundant renewable energy and a reliable energy grid.
Brian Will
Granger
Spare change?
Oh, brother Trump, can you spare a dime:
From the $2.5 billion you made in the first year of your presidency? Maybe you could help …
…. The 170,000 children in Indiana who have lost Medicaid due your new Medicaid rules …
…. The nearly 400,000 Hoosiers who have lost their health benefits due to your policies and are now using the ER as their primary treatment choice …
… The 40% of Americans who have no stake in the stock market due to affordability issues and the nearly half of Americans who don’t have the resources to live securely …
… The increased burden on Indiana families, which now leads the nation in mortgage foreclosures …
Oh, brother, can you spare a dime?
Anthony Garascia
South Bend
What a joy
I was out of town over the weekend and it took me two days before I had the pleasure to read the July 12 Voices section of the Tribune. What a joy it was ― and kudos to the writers! It’s so comforting to see intelligent people address the state of our country, and the corruption in the current administration, people power, education, healthy debating, white supremacy and immigration were all given an incisive review. Thank you for writing.
Coleen Hoover
Notre Dame
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: In the wake of recent wildfires, prepare for climate change | Letters
Reporting by Letters to the Editor, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
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By Letters to the Editor, South Bend Tribune | USA TODAY Network
