LETTERS: Small changes can help improve climate

As a Las Vegas resident since 2003 and a visitor since 1977, I have seen the valley grow and change. I love our valley and am excited that our economy seems to be improving, but I am concerned about other trends I see. Some people will argue that climate change is not real, but as an observer of nature, I can tell something is not right.

In 1977, the population here was under 453,000. Fewer cars choked fewer roads, so the valley didn't have that brown-yellow haze over it. Lake Mead was filled with nearly 28 million acre-feet of water. Yet few young valley residents have ever seen that much water in the lake, because drought and demand for water have dropped the lake to an all-time low.

Today, my water and electric bills are too high. My grass is dead. My mature, nondesert trees are dying. Birds are panting in the heat under the low limbs of my trees now. What good is a booming economy if our air is too hot and dirty, and we are out of water? I'm not the only one seeing these changes. Many gardeners, farmers and others I talk to agree that spring seemed to have arrived about two weeks earlier than normal this year. Drought, heat and wildfires are worries for us. We are not seeing as many pollinating bees or migrating Monarch butterflies.

While most people don't seem to notice or care, these are all wake-up calls. Instead of denying these changes or feeling powerless over them, it's time do something, even something small. My yard is now a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat. I provide food, water, shelter and a place for birds to nest and raise their young. I also try to make our valley more sustainable by driving less, planting drought-resistant plants and shrubs, and cutting water and electricity use during the heat of the day. These are all small changes, but they add up. In the long run, we all may need to confront threats to our air, water and valley life. It's better to do that now in small ways.

Climate scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that January through April this year ranked as Earth's hottest ever, following the hottest year previously, 2014. Although some might be skeptical, we also need to take another look at President Barack Obama's Clean Power Plan as a step forward for Nevada. We can meet our goals to reduce carbon pollution by improving energy efficiency in our homes and buildings, and by continuing to increase the amount of power we get from renewable sources such as solar and geothermal. I'll continue to do what I can to take care of my valley. Neighbors, I ask that you please help me.

Janelle Losoff

Henderson

Party loyalty

Regarding Gil Eisner's letter ("Obamacare? Americare," July 25 Review-Journal), referring to Obamacare as Americare would certainly be a gross misnomer, as the health care law violates the American principle of free choice and encourages federal intervention in personal matters. I and many others refrain from using its advertised name, the Affordable Care Act, in favor of Obamacare, as many feel President Barack Obama deserves full credit — or discredit — for its passage.

Regarding its affordability, ask any of the millions who were told they could keep their policies, only to have them either cancelled or have the premiums doubled or tripled. Or how about the many, and primarily young, workers who choose to pay fines and go without health insurance to meet their budget? It seems the only ones finding it affordable are those whose premiums are heavily subsidized by taxpayers.

The law itself was conceived in deceit, passed out of fear and financed by working Americans. Its primary author, Jonathan Gruber, has since admitted that the White House took great strides to conceal its content, even telling lies about the bill and its costs. Then both the Senate and House, controlled by Democrats, managed to ram it through, largely through intimidation votes and back-door deals such as Sen. Harry Reid's Cornhusker Kickback (which was later nixed). Since then, terms of the law have led to new taxes sprouting up, and those costs are a burden on individuals and business.

This travesty is a perfect example of how party loyalty preceded common sense. I only hope that with the Iran nuclear deal, Congress will display common sense, disregard party politics and vote against what we are told by the White House, even if the intimidation factor is strong.

Robert Latchford

Henderson

Catching up

It is gratifying that South Carolina, with its decision to remove the Confederate flag, finally realizes that the North won the Civil War. The state also received an email that said Abraham Lincoln was shot, the Titanic sunk and Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds hit more home runs than Babe Ruth.

Norm Garber

Las Vegas