I write in response to “White House reviewing report linking climate change, human activity” (Aug. 8).

As a Catholic, I agree with Pope Francis and the U.S. bishops that prudence, in the face of overwhelming scientific consensus about climate change, requires action – especially when the effects of inaction will likely lead to increased harm for all of creation.

Here, in Maine, warmer winters, more acidic ocean waters and rising sea levels will injure ecological systems and threaten human livelihoods. In particular, I urge all Mainers to read the updated report, “Death by Degrees: The Health Crisis of Climate Change in Maine,” by the Maine Chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility. The report chronicles the increase in the incidence of Lyme disease, which is carried by the deer tick, by over 1,800 percent from 1998 to 2013.

I, therefore, hope that President Trump decides to support the findings of the federal draft report on climate change, and acts quickly to reduce greenhouse gas pollution.

As a constituent, I also ask that Rep. Chellie Pingree join the bipartisan House Climate Solutions Caucus and co-sponsor the Climate Solutions Commission Act of 2017 (H.R.2326). For those in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, I urge you to request that Rep. Bruce Poliquin take these same steps.

Our state is especially vulnerable to climate change, and all people of faith and goodwill should support these important bipartisan measures in order to help protect the future of our common home.

Carole LeBlanc

Wells

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