Re: 鈥淚t鈥檚 time to get serious on climate change,鈥漜omment, Aug. 26.
I have never been inclined to write letters to the editor, despite being involved in international conflicts while in the Canadian Forces and responding to natural disasters with a large NGO while retired. I saw many deplorable situations, but always managed to keep some professional distance and not let it affect me personally. I didn鈥檛 feel the need to complain publically.
But now it鈥檚 personal, and I have to speak up.
The poor air quality in Victoria in recent weeks coincided with visits from both of my new grandchildren, one from Vancouver and one from Nova Scotia. The realization that the 鈥渘ew normal鈥� will be theirs really struck home. What future are we leaving them?
I won鈥檛 attempt to argue the impact of climate change. Emma Gilchrist has done an excellent job of that in her commentary, as have many other experts.
Is there a more pressing problem that our leaders need to focus on? Ultimately, not. They need to stop messing around with partisan politics, think long-term and get on with addressing climate change, which is very quickly becoming personal for all of us.
Paul Jenkins
Saanich
