I think everyone knows the average lifespan of Americans is rapidly expanding, but we live in a huge burden of contamination from the ways we get energy. In a study called “The Social Cost of Atmospheric Release,” Drew T. Shindell of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies says, “results suggest that efforts to mitigate atmosphere-related environmental damages should target a broad set of emissions including CO2, methane and aerosols. Illustrative calculations indicate environmental damages are $160-620 billion yr-1 for current US electricity generation.”

Breathing problems, gastrointestinal effects, increased heart attacks and more are the agents responsible. We are used to it, and information about alternative sources of energy is suppressed. Information about the damage and cost of conventional energy is suppressed. Radical but orderly departure from our present energy methods is definitely necessary if society is to progress.

Tom Bond, Lewis County, WV