Newspaper articles, urging transition from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources, are sometimes followed in the online comments by concerned questions about potential costs of making the change. Sometimes, those comments have a skeptical tone – implying that changing to “green” energy would not be worth higher prices at the gas pump or on our utility bills.

To object to curtailing fossil fuel use because of possible energy price increases is to overlook the rising costs our society is already paying in this climate crisis.

For argument’s sake, let’s put aside the staggering emotional price that many fellow citizens pay following destruction wreaked by climate change-fueled disasters. Let’s focus simply on two aspects regarding money:

Recently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that in 2022 alone, the U.S. experienced 18 separate disasters where the economic damage exceeded $1 billion. Much of the total (more than $165 billion) was borne by U.S. taxpayers.

Also, there are the hikes in insurance rates that homeowners nationwide have experienced as insurance companies have sought to offset increased disaster expenditures.

While catastrophic storms, droughts, floods and wildfires are not new phenomena, the increasing frequency and intensity of these events is clearly linked to the fact that we are warming our world beyond capacity.

Regarding legitimate questions about affordability while transitioning to clean energy:

There is help available. For details, visit the websites of Efficiency Maine and Rewiring America.

Tom Berry
Kennebunk

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