The need to further study the impacts of the Zika virus underscores the urgency of tackling global warming [“Zika experts: The more they learn, the scarier the virus is,” Page One, April 12]. Unfortunately, diseases like Zika thrive in warming climates, and this is exactly the sort of epidemic that climate scientists predict will become more pronounced unless we reduce climate pollution.
We are running up against the clock to cut the global warming pollution that puts our families’ health and livelihoods at risk. If we are serious about preventing the worst impacts of climate change, we need to transition from dirty polluting cars.
We need to push for cleaner cars and trucks — the second biggest cause of climate pollution in this country. This means supporting Washington state in leading the way to electrify vehicles in the coming year and supporting federal standards on big trucks. We have solutions — isn’t it time to embrace them?
Justin Donahoe, Seattle, campaign organizer for Environment Washington