Time is ticking on our heating planet; yet we seem slow in addressing the problem. The economic competitiveness of capitalism with each nation deciding its own energy policy seems not a strong enough answer to global warming which requires an international response. But let’s at least start at home.

Are we going to allow profits to determine the future of our planet? What power do we have? We might elect our representatives to Congress, but do they represent our interests? Oil executives, to insure their profits and pay, spend millions every year to influence decision-makers. The oil and gas industry has spent $55.6 million on lobbyists since the beginning of this year alone. Biden’s policy of creating good paying jobs in clean energy doesn’t seem to counterbalance this. The lobbyists are winning.

Global warming is a problem for the entire earth and needs the entire earth to respond, all nations together. Our climate crisis starkly reveals the weakness of capitalism in the 21st century. It seems anachronistic. But no one likes change, not when we can switch on our air-conditioners. Are there fundamental problems with our political/economic system that global warming demonstrates? It’s something to think about and act upon. Maybe it’s time to start with the lobbyists.

Elaine Buckley

Southampton

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