Dear Editor,

Climate change is an existential threat to our survival and way of life. Top scientists have made it clear that we only have until 2030 to curb the next major climate disaster. Here in Massachusetts, we are already seeing the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. Coastal erosion is causing the rapid disappearance of North Shore beaches, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the hardest-hit communities have been among the most polluted.

Given these facts, it is imperative that Massachusetts be a leader in the fight against the climate crisis. The first step is for the state legislature to pass the 100% Clean Act, which would transition Massachusetts to 100% clean electricity by 2035, and to 100% clean heating and transportation by 2045. Acting now to transition away from fossil fuels is the only path forward to preventing our communities from experiencing the most devastating impacts of climate change. If we don’t act now, the question is no longer if it will happen, but when it will. Massachusetts can be a leader, but only if we have the will to make the change we need.

Sincerely,

Alex Kawa

Clark University

Worcester, MA