Dear editor,                                                                                

My purpose with this letter is to provide a media reference to global warming, remind people that the climate crisis impacts them personally, and to encourage them to talk with others about their thoughts.

We need to pay attention to the climate crisis. The 2023 Yale Climate Opinion Maps show that about 30 percent of Congressional District 7, including Wausau and northern Wisconsin, hear about global warming in the media at least once per week; additionally, two-thirds of our friends and neighbors hear about global warming once per month or less. Yale also reports that two-thirds of Congressional District 7 believe global warming is happening, two-thirds believe global warming will harm plants and animals a great or moderate amount, and two-thirds believe global warming will harm future generations a great or moderate amount.

Yet just over one-third believe global warming will harm them personally a great or moderate amount.

Why do so few people (38 percent) believe global warming will harm them personally compared to those (66 percent) who believe global warming will harm plants and animals and future generations?

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reports public health and safety concerns associated with global warming for all areas of Wisconsin. For example, we have already seen more intense and frequent rains that lead to flooding; and we’ve seen increased extreme heat events that lead to health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, asthma, stress and reduced mental health.

The DNR further reports warmer winters and snow shifting to rain and freezing rain that directly impacts service industries that depend on winter recreation for their survival. Just this winter, we’ve seen the significant loss of tourism and recreation dollars due to loss of snow as a result of the climate crisis.

After reading this, I invite you to consider how the climate crisis impacts you personally and talk with your friends and neighbors about it.

Jeanine Knapp of Wausau

Editor’s note: Wausau Pilot & Review gladly publishes commentary from readers, residents and candidates for local offices. The views of readers and columnists are independent of this newspaper and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wausau Pilot & Review. To submit, email [email protected] or mail to 500 N. Third St., Suite 208-8, Wausau, Wis. 54403.