Fossil fuels enabled the industrial revolution and provided a rising standard of living for many. 

However, this gift of stored energy has dangerous side effects. Soot and smog darkened skies 

and damaged lungs. But we took steps to limit these pollutants. Later acid rain destroyed 

forests. We reduced sulfur emissions. Arsenic, mercury, and ozone emissions harmed people 

and animals. Again society acted to protect people and the environment. Now we recognize a 

new danger. Burning of fossil fuels is rapidly increasing the carbon dioxide concentration in the 

atmosphere. About a third of the extra carbon dioxide released into the air is absorbed by the 

oceans and results in lowering the pH level of ocean water. This decreased pH level presents an 

especially great risk for animals such as shellfish, coral, and many species of plankton that build 

their shells or exoskeletons from carbonates. Most of the coral reefs are at risk, and oyster 

hatcheries in the Pacific Northwest report they can only take in seawater when the carbon 

dioxide level is sufficiently low. The oceans supply much of our oxygen and a substantial 

portion of the world's protein so their health is important even for landlocked citizens. 

The other major impact of carbon dioxide emissions is the increased greenhouse effect that 

results in global warming. The role of carbon-based fuels in increasing global temperatures was 

recognized as early as the 1890's. Today, there is compelling evidence that the earth is warming, 

and science is highly confident that human activity makes major contributions. Since increased 

carbon dioxide in the atmosphere persists for centuries, the cumulative effect of emissions is an 

accelerating rate of climate change. Thus the greatest impact will be passed on to our children 

and grandchildren. 

The recent "Risky Business" report by business and policy leaders outlines billions of dollars of 

financial damages and health risks from climate change if we continue "business as usual". 

Along the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast, rising sea levels will inundate low lying coastal 

properties, and enhanced storm damage will drive these losses higher. By 2050, temperatures of 

95 °F and above are expected for several months each year in much of the Southwest, Southeast 

and Midwest. Higher temperatures will increase cooling costs and power generation demands. 

High temperatures combined with high humidity will result in deadly conditions for outside 

workers for several days each year across much of the Eastern US by 2100. These are extreme 

conditions that are not experienced anywhere in the world today. The report recognizes the 

adaptability of farmers but still expects significant agricultural losses especially in the Midwest 

and South. The report acknowledges the expected reduced rainfall in the Southwest but does not 

quantify the additional financial losses in this water short region. This report only addresses 

direct damage to humans and does not explore additional environmental damage. 

I believe that corporate citizens, as well as the rest of us, need to be responsible for the collateral 

damage of their actions. Or as Mom would say, "Clean up your own mess". The EPA Clean 

Power Plan calls for a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. It gives the states substantial 

latitude in reaching these goals. American industry has proven many times that it can 

successfully adapt to changing conditions. I hope that industry, governments, and the public will 

work together to reduce carbon emissions. It's the right thing to do for our future. 

Robert E. Jones Email: sailorbobc30@gmail.com