It is unfortunate that Sanford became a sudden magnet for immigration earlier this month, but we should not be surprised.

We have no choice but to start planning for what is inevitable. The United Nations and other organizations have predicted that there may be one billion environmental migrants by mid-century. Many will be displaced internally, but a staggering number – in the tens of millions – will be seeking opportunities in more temperate climates. Maine will be a prime destination.

What is our fair share of these refugees? Germany accepted more than one million refugees last year, equivalent to about four million for our country. We are a large and affluent nation and have the same moral obligation as other nations to help our fellow human beings who are displaced, whether by war or climate change.

As with hurricanes, droughts, floods and other disasters brought on by our excessive greenhouse gas emissions, huge numbers of refugees will be a fact of life for our children and grandchildren. We must cut emissions and plan for the refugees to come. To do otherwise is to invite social and environmental chaos.

Joe Hardy
Wells

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