Ever wonder what you can do about climate change? As a grandmother, I sure do. I see with alarm the recent heat wave and wild fire increases and the oil transport and refinery spills and explosions that harm people and ruin our marine life.

I read from Audubon Society studies that over 300 bird species are in danger of extinction by the end of this century, compared to only nine bird species that have gone extinct since the Industrial Revolution. I take seriously the scientific predictions of rising water, draught and famine, with little time left to reverse the situation. And I get that we need to reduce our carbon emissions in a big way now.

Well, I found something that I, you and every citizen can do about this. Vote for Initiative 732 on the ballot this November. It’s a grassroots-led first step to taxing carbon, a model that has already been successful in British Columbia.

It would then decrease the sales tax and fund rebates to disadvantaged families and manufacturers to relieve potential social and economic impacts from the tax. Since our state and national legislatures have not addressed climate change and the Paris Peace Agreements are years from implementation, It is up to us to set the sample—first in Washington and then in other states.

When I think about my grandchildren, Esme and Oliver, and all the other children we adults have borrowed this earth from, I realize It is our moral duty to take action. Please join me in voting yes on I-732.

Ann Fletcher

Issaquah