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Dear Editor:
In the face of conclusive contradictory evidence, President Donald Trump blames the devastating Western wildfires on forest management, while dismissing global warming.
Although fire management practices do play a role with regard to these tragic fires, climate change also has a profound impact. To quote physicist Phillip Duffy, president of the Woodwell Climate Research Center: "Fundamentally the science is very, very simple. Warmer and drier conditions create drier fuel. What would have been a fire easily extinguished now just grows very quickly and becomes out of control."
Biologist F. Stuart Chapin III has said that the planet is calling out, but no one is listening. Many members of Wisconsin's state legislature and congressional delegation are avid hunters who have a great appreciation for the outdoors. It's crucial for these politicians to hear the plea from our nation's forests and wildlands and take a leadership role regarding climate action.
Climate change should be a bridge, rather than a wedge issue. I'm heartened that the bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act has been reintroduced in the House of Representatives. This bill puts a steadily rising price on carbon dioxide emissions and returns the money to the American people.
Let's reach across divides and provide U.S. leadership in the fight to slow climate change.
Terry Hansen
Hales Corners, WI