Yes, global warming is a problem. Here’s something that you can do about it | Opinion

Global warming

The recent Idaho Statesman editorial accurately describes the hot mess we’re in as global warming heats the planet, making some locations uninhabitable. We know that extreme heat waves, wildfires, and flooding are not abstract or random phenomena, but a direct result of atmospheric heating from carbon pollution. If we ignore this looming existential threat, temperatures will continue to rise with dire consequences.

A great way to reduce carbon emissions worldwide is to start charging foreign polluters for their emissions through carbon border adjustment fees. Since U.S.-made products (like steel) release lower than average emissions, that will both cut foreign emissions and help our industries compete.

Congress’s bipartisan PROVE IT Act, takes the first step by measuring product-related emissions by U.S. and foreign industries.

Ask your members of Congress to do two things: support the PROVE IT Act, which would pave the way to measuring emissions; and join the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucuses working for solutions in the U.S. House and Senate. Take five minutes to contact Rep. Mike Simpson or Rus Fulcher, and Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch.

The climate problem is bigger than partisan politics. Things are starting to boil, but we don’t need to be like frogs in a pot of water.

Linda Rytterager, Boise

AIDS relief

Given the current climate in Congress and Washington, D.C., you’d be tempted to believe our lawmakers are unable to agree on anything. But that’s not true. Twenty years ago, President George W. Bush created the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, otherwise known as PEPFAR, with strong bipartisan support. Since then, it has saved 25 million lives and allowed 5.5 million babies to be born HIV free who otherwise would have been infected.

This is a stunning success by any measure, but if PEPFAR is not reauthorized, too many lives will be at risk. As a Christian, I believe that every human being has immeasurable value, and that every child in the world deserves a chance to live and thrive. Sen. James Risch, please support reauthorizing this life-saving program.

John C. Thompson, pastor, Cornerstone Church, Boise

University of Phoenix

Please dig deeper into the mess that the University of Idaho is getting into with the University of Phoenix and its two owners: Apollo Global Management and Vistria Group. As a consumer advocate who has investigated the University of Phoenix for more than a decade, I can tell you that this is not something the University of Idaho will want to take on when they get all the facts. The University of Phoenix has approximately 1 million student loan debtors owing an estimated $14 billion to $35 billion. And more than 69,000 consumers have already filed Borrower Defense to Repayment claims — fraud claims made to the U.S. Department of Education about the school. Take time to look at the existing (and disturbing) information about the school’s dwindling equity in the Department of Education IPEDS database. And learn more about the constant flow of consumer claims against the school in the FTC database.

Dahn Shaulis, Pleasantville, New Jersey

City of Trees

Boise has long been known as “The City of Trees.” One wonders how long this nickname of Boise will last given the recent rezoning, which favors density.

Other cities where there is greater density and fewer trees have what are known as “heat islands” and thus a need to create more tree canopy coverage to help cool the environment and provide relief from extreme heat.

We have been experiencing extreme heat in Boise. How long will it be before Boise will also have to address “heat islands” because of a certain loss of tree canopy coverage due to greater density?

Mary Feeny, Boise

Feeding children

Debbie Critchfield (Department of Education) and Dave Jeppesen (DHW), have been engaged in finger pointing at one another, and blaming Sherri Ybarra for the fact that Idaho failed to access nearly $15 million of federal money that would have fed hungry children. Brad Little, the chief executive who should have brought his power to bear to help the children of Idaho, is silent as a stone on the issue. He loves to stand in front of cameras talking about how he supports education. I will state the obvious here: It is impossible for hungry children to learn.

Republicans have a lock on policy making in Idaho. Voters should be aware that this is just one of many instances illustrating the fact that the Republican Party cares more about maintaining power than about helping the citizens of Idaho.

Whatever excuses they may contrive, their actions are unconscionable. Responsible public servants would have moved heaven and earth to make sure that those funds (readily available, no strings attached) went to feed hungry children. Voters, please bear this in mind the next time you go to the polls.

Jan Schlicht, Boise

Transgender students

On July 1, Idaho Senate Bill 1100 took effect. It prevents transgender public school students from using multiperson restrooms or locker rooms that do not align with their gender at birth. Students who see a trans person in the restroom that aligns with their gender identity have the right for up to four years to sue the school for $5,000 per occurrence.

Fact: 2% of the population identifies as transgender.

Fact: The American Medical Association says exclusionary bathroom policies harm transgender students. It leads to negative health outcomes and heightens stigma and discrimination. The American Psychological Association agrees.

Fact: 85% of trans students live in states that do not discriminate against their choice of bathroom. Law enforcement officials and sexual assault advocates have said over and over that there have been no increases in safety risks. There has been no increase in men disguising themselves as women to gain access to their restroom. Transgender people are no evil, sexual deviants just waiting to attack innocent people. If anything, they are the ones being attacked.

Fact: Transgender people have been using the bathroom of their choice all along, without any fanfare.

I am saddened that vulnerable youth have become political fodder.

Lori Poublon Ramirez, Meridian