Daphne Hulse is a senior at Purdue University in Indiana.
As a Purdue University student concerned about climate change, I value the public position my Representative, Jim Baird, takes on the subject. This week I am filled with hope: all three of the congressional incumbents in Indiana’s District 4, including Senators Todd Young and Mike Braun, now support S.1251/H.R.2820, the Growing Climate Solutions Act.
GCSA invites farmers and foresters to join climate change mitigation efforts through an incentivization of carbon sequestration practices in fields and forests. Agricultural activities contribute about 10% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States; GCSA provides a targeted opportunity to remove some of these gases. At the same time, Indiana’s farmers will see improved practices incentivized and a greater emphasis on precision agriculture that can increase yields.
What’s even more encouraging is Representative Baird’s open acknowledgement of policy as an effective tool used in tandem with market innovation and technology. Taking an active leadership role in climate solutions demonstrates a continuing commitment to upholding public and environmental health. The fight against climate change was akin to running a marathon: slow and steady. But now is when we sprint.