TIMES RECORD • February 23, 2025
Should the California fires tragedy be a “wake-up call” for Maine to closely examine our own plans to prepare for: record-setting hottest years, more strong variability in precipitation, more violent hurricanes, torrential rains and enhanced coastal/inland flooding Yes. One solution: implementation of efficient and widespread public transportation systems, further reducing our carbon footprint. Additionally, designing future communities, where housing/markets/shops/services are within close proximity/walking distance, thereby reducing use of personal vehicles. Further, new strategies to improve/manage traffic/pedestrian flow patterns would aid in reducing greenhouse gases. Lastly, carbon capture and sequestration technologies, intended to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from large industrial sources, could be introduced state-wide. ~ Dr. John M. Mishler, former Professor of Basic Life Sciences; and Sigrid R.E. Fischer-Mishler, former medical/radiological technologist; they live in Harpswell