Letter to the editor: Celebrate farmers by taking climate action

The recent Pennsylvania Farm Show celebrated Pennsylvania farmers with a 1-ton butter sculpture. Unfortunately, climate change is poised to impact our state’s dairy and agriculture industry.

Average annual temperatures in Pennsylvania have risen roughly 0.5 F (0.3 C) over the last century. Climate change causes an increase in the number of days over 90 F that occur in Pennsylvania. The best temperature range for milk production is between 40 F and 75 F. In 2005, Pennsylvania’s dairy industry lost more than $44 million due to heat stress, which happens when the cows get too hot.

Climate change also impacts farmers by increasing the likelihood of extreme weather and decreasing the odds of a successful harvest. Hannah Smith-Brubaker, a farmer in Juniata County, says, “Two summers ago we had just a deluge of rain. We had 15 inches of rain in three days after we had just planted out our fall crops and lost them all.”

Let’s celebrate Pennsylvania’s farmers by taking action on climate change. One action that would be effective and has bipartisan support is taxing carbon pollution and giving the money to the people. Please contact Sens. Bob Casey and Pat Toomey and demand bold action on climate change.

Dana Siler

Squirrel Hill

The writer is a group leader with Citizens’ Climate Lobby.