Letters on climate action, e-cigarettes, red-light runners

Pope, CEOs urge climate action

Pope Francis called on world leaders to address climate change in November at the Paris Climate Change Conference. But it is not only religious leaders and climate scientists who are concerned.

Joining the call for action are Nike, Walmart, Goldman Sachs, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Salesforce, Starbucks, Steelcase, and Voya Financial. Food companies are concerned that climate change is threatening our food supply. CEOs of Kellogg’s, Mars, Dannon, Ben & Jerry’s, Stonyfield Farm and Nestle have signed a letter urging U.S. and global leaders to “meaningfully address the reality of climate change.”

The plan with broad bipartisan support in the United States is the “carbon fee and dividend,” as proposed by the Citizens’ Climate Lobby. This proposal would place a fee on carbon at the source and allow market forces to encourage reduced emissions, energy conservation and investments in renewable energy. The carbon fee is not a tax, as proceeds would be distributed equally to every household as a monthly energy dividend. It would effectively stimulate the economy and add an estimated 2.8 million jobs over the next 20 years. What could be a better plan?

Best way to quit

I am alarmed at Sedgwick County Commissioner Jim Howell’s recent declaration that electronic cigarettes should be allowed in county buildings. His statement that they are more effective than therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help people quit smoking is a misrepresentation of the current facts and evidence-based research.

The American Academy of Family Physicians recently made a formal statement that current evidence is insufficient to recommend vaping devices for tobacco cessation in adults. The academy stated that physician-led interventions along with behavioral counseling and FDA-approved nicotine products – such as the patch, gum or lozenge – are recommended for cessation at this time. Electronic cigarettes are not FDA-approved.

Discussions about evidence-based tobacco cessation strategies are best left to the shared decision-making process between patients and their health care providers.

Red-light danger

Being a motorcyclist, I am wary at intersections, even after my light has turned green. I have lost count of the number of times I nearly have been hit by red-light runners.

In all of those instances, I have never seen one of these drivers pulled over by law enforcement. Yet I can always count on a two-man speed trap on 21st Street near Ridge Road.

Running a red light in Sedgwick County will incur drivers (if caught) a $172 fine. Yet you would need to be driving 21 mph over the posted limit to incur a $172 speeding ticket. Which is more dangerous to other motorists?

Perhaps intersections need to be patrolled more diligently. Motorcyclists would be very grateful.

This story was originally published October 22, 2015 at 7:05 PM with the headline "Letters on climate action, e-cigarettes, red-light runners."