Climate Change is Here, Wisconsin

For decades, enthusiasts have flocked to the Northwoods of Wisconsin during the winter to take advantage of everything Wisconsin has to offer. Our state relies on plentiful snowfall and frigid temperatures. The issue of climate change and how it affects our economy, must play a central role in this year’s election.

 

On one side of our political debate, politicians are still claiming that climate change is caused only by the cyclical nature of the environment; while on the other side, they admit that humans have a large role in creating this upward spiral of temperatures. Scientists worldwide agree with the second group. It is our responsibility to make sure we do everything we can to stop warming the planet unnecessarily and that includes voting for the people willing to help our society reduce its carbon emissions.

 

Climate change is already disrupting local economies. Last year, we saw record snowfall shortages, according to meteorological experts. As a result, fewer snowmobilers took the trails and spent money at local hotels and small businesses. The events that draw thousands every year, like the American Birkebeiner Ski Race, were in danger of being cancelled and forced to scramble to keep things on track. And in Madison, Frozen Assets had to keep attendees off Lake Mendota, based on lower-than-expected ice thickness.

 

The policies proposed by Vice President Kamala Harris, such as increasing investment in clean energy research and ending oil and gas subsidies, will reduce carbon emissions over time and help save our winters.

 

But some, namely Wisconsin Republicans, don’t see the situation as dire. They are spending time painting these policies as radical instead of doing everything they can to preserve our way of life. Simply put, Wisconsinites don’t have time for that.

 

The impacts of climate change on Wisconsin are no longer academic; They are here. And only one party on the ballot in November is ready to do something about it.

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