At Oakland’s annual OakFest on July 27  a  steady stream of festival goers stopped by our Citizens Climate Lobby table and voiced their concerns about climate change: “It’s happening.” “It’s terrifying.” “The heat and humidity are terrible.” “Icecaps are melting.” “Sea level is rising.” “I miss the snow we used to have.” “The seasons are changing.” “Storms are worse.” “I worry for my grandchildren.”

We volunteers at the Citizens Climate Lobby have heard the same concerns from hundreds of Mainers over the past five years at farmers markets, community events, and other public venues. The vast majority of people we have spoken with at these events, roughly 90% across the board, are worried about what is happening to Earth’s climate. About solutions there is less certainty.

But if, as we have seen, the majority of us want effective climate solutions and environmental protections, one thing is certain: We need to elect officials who prioritize these issues.

Our lawmakers have a responsibility to step up to solve the problem. All candidates running for office should take this issue seriously and have a viable plan to address heat-trapping pollution. Let your representatives and candidates seeking election know that you care about climate action. Find out what their positions and plans are around these issues and vote accordingly.

Vote like the Earth depends on it!

Bonnie Sammons

Belgrade