The covid-19 pandemic has led to enormous changes in both our daily and our civic lives, most of which are unwelcome. But I have noticed one change that bodes well for our future.
Ask most Americans whom they trust the most for information about the disease and its spread, and the answer is likely to be Dr. Anthony Fauci. When dealing with this emergency, the public has a clear answer: Listen to the scientists.
Fauci has been careful not to make statements about public policy, saying that his role is to give government officials the information they need. But it is clear that our fellow citizens want our government to base its decisions on the best available scientific models, not on ideology or unrealistic hopes.
When the pandemic is past, we will return to dealing with other critical issues, including one with an existential threat more serious in the long run than an emerging novel virus — climate change.
Climate models are more robust than epidemiological ones because they are based on and validated by decades of precise data. They indicate that we will face serious environmental and health issues, as well as geopolitical disruptions, if we do not drastically reduce our use of fossil fuels.
Climate science has many figures who, like Fauci, provide analysis for our national leaders. It is time for our fellow citizens and policymakers to stop viewing climate change through a partisan lens and listen to those scientists as well.
Alfred B. (Fred) Bortz
Monroeville
The writer is a member of the Citizens Climate Lobby.