We can’t let climate change fatigue make us throw up our hands in defeat and party like it’s 2029

By Janet Tauro and William Nierstedt, Clean Water Action

In the midst of severe worldwide climate-driven catastrophes, Governor Murphy recently stated in a radio interview that sweeping plans for the state’s offshore wind project that are essential to the state’s clean energy goals are in jeopardy without federal assistance.

Let’s hope that assistance comes through and fact-based support for wind energy regains momentum. Our country has long supported the infrastructure needed to power our economy – from transportation to drinking water – through policy, subsidies, and tax incentives. The nuclear power industry in NJ receives $300 million annually in subsidies. Globally, the International Monetary Fund reported that fossil fuel industries received $7 trillion in subsidies in 2022.

Climate studies widely reported by a team of United Nations scientists repeatedly warn that we must stop burning fossil fuels to stop heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions, with the Secretary-General declaring this a “code red” climate emergency.

Even the US Department of Defense has identified climate change as a national security issue.     

We need to employ the best 21st-century technology to meet our energy needs, and in NJ, given its topography and steady coastal breezes, wind energy, which does not emit greenhouse gases, is essential, as is energy efficiency and solar. The state ranks eighth in the nation for solar installations, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, a national trade organization.

Rising global temperatures are melting arctic glaciers and threatening creatures that depend on ice like polar bears. The water from that melting ice is raising sea levels around the world risking coastline communities. In NJ, the state is experiencing more extreme storms, heat-related illnesses, flooding, and displacement from homes.

Tropical storm Ida barrelled through NJ in 2021, killing 30 people and destroying neighborhoods. Superstorm Sandy reportedly cost NJ and NY $69 billion to rebuild, and that is not including health care costs. Recent Hurricane Idalia damage estimates in Florida reported by Forbes could top $20 billion.  Hurricane Ian caused 150 deaths and over $112 billion in damages. 

The unsustainable costs and frequency have prompted some insurance companies to reportedly strike coverage for natural disasters and raise premiums.

Against this climate change backdrop, marine life globally is suffering and in NJ a spate of whale deaths has turned into an ugly political imbroglio. Scientists are delving deep to determine the cause; which at present appears to be vessel strikes, negative impacts to traditional food sources from warming waters, as well as ingestion of fishing gear and plastics.    The Biden-Harris Administration reportedly released $82 million recently for whale protection measures.

The last thing the whales, all marine life, and we humans need is nasty bickering that detracts from careful scientific decisions necessary for our collective survival. We can’t let climate change fatigue make us throw up our hands in defeat and party like it’s 2029; reportedly the year before scientists say greenhouse gas emissions must be slashed by about 50 percent to get to zero emissions by 2050 or else climate change will be irreversible.

Partisan politics should play no part in any climate-abating decisions.  Calm, respectful, and fact-based discourse will be our greatest assets during “code red” and beyond. Our survival and future generations depend on the actions we take now.

Janet Tauro, Clean Water Action, NJ Board Chair, and William Nierstedt, PP, AICP, CWA Board member