These days, political divisiveness between neighbors and even family members abounds. One uniting factor among us all is our relationship to and reliance upon Earth. We are Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, among others; we are also human beings with a fundamental need for air, water, and food.

For decades, scientists have conducted research globally that proves, in many ways, that human activity is causing changes in Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and climate patterns. They have warned, and proven, that these changes will have unpredictable effects on life on Earth as we know it. We have witnessed some of these effects in a series of particularly deadly storms, droughts, and wildfires throughout our country in 2017.

It’s imprudent and, frankly, dangerous, to continue to act like this is a partisan issue. It’s in everyone’s best interest to take action to defend the climate against political and corporate interests that benefit from the climate-degrading status quo.

It is urgent that we pressure all elected officials, across party lines, to act on the Earth’s behalf. On this front, I would also like to urge The Day to print more scientific articles that make information about climate change accessible to the public.

Charlotte Kading

Stonington