Friday marked the 52nd celebration of Earth Day. For more than half a century, scientists, environmentalists and families from all over the world have come together on this day to honor and protect the planet that supports all life — and our mission is now more urgent than ever before.

Climate change is increasingly posing dire consequences for people, animals and natural environments all over the world — and in our community. Here in Presque Isle we’ve seen its devastating impact in more destructive storms and unusually warm winters, which has led to severe erosion along the shores of Lake Huron. Also posing a threat to us is the old and deteriorating Line 5 pipeline, which does little to benefit Michiganders but puts our water and land at risk of catastrophic damage if there were ever to be a leak. This pipeline was only meant to last 50 years; it is now going on over 65 years, meaning that it is only a matter of time. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must take swift action on climate. Michigan needs to shift to renewable sources of energy.

Fortunately, our state and local leaders now have an unparalleled opportunity to safeguard the future of our planet and our community. In November, President Biden signed the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a generation-defining piece of legislation that will invest in safer, cleaner transportation and power grids as well as water and broadband infrastructure.

This bill was a great bipartisan accomplishment for Americans. But it’s still not enough to truly tackle the climate crisis. Congress must build on this bill by passing additional climate investments that will save families like mine money, create good paying jobs and help prevent the worst effects of climate change.

MARY O’NEILL,

Presque Isle