On Sunday more than 300,000 people from many nationalities and walks of life converged on New York City for the People’s Climate March. This diverse group marched to remind policymakers across the globe that climate change is a reality that must be addressed quickly and efficiently.

I could not take my family to the march but know I was represented by others who were there, including my children’s college-age babysitter and many members of the Maine chapters of Citizens Climate Lobby, who have been working with individuals and organizations across the state to ensure a better world for our children and a sustainable future for the world.

I applaud Maine Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King for their past work on reducing carbon emissions and call on them to make climate change a top priority. I also urge Rep. Chellie Pingree and either Emily Cain or Bruce Poliquin to support our senators in that fight in the House.

One of the most effective ways to curb climate change is a revenue neutral carbon tax, which would return all revenue to the American people through monthly dividend payments. Studies by Regional Economic Models Inc. and other economists have shown that a revenue neutral tax (as proposed by Citizens Climate Lobby) would actually boost the economy while significantly reducing carbon emissions. Because the policy is revenue neutral, it does not grow the government or rely on regulations but, by revealing the true price of carbon to society, allows the market to work freely.

Caroline Karnes

Hallowell