As a former archeologist who studied climate change and its effects on human systems extensively, I believe it is imperative that we act now to move away from fossil fuels and into sustainable solutions.

It doesn’t take much to look at what happens to civilizations who fail to adapt — the Ancestral Puebloan presence in the Four Corners has plenty to teach us here.

We have a choice: adapt, use our consciousness for the betterment of all, or remain stubbornly entrenched in 19th- and 20th-century fossil fuel economies with a dog-eat-dog mentality toward our fellow humans, animals, and planet as a whole.

Pressure on vested interests will be needed to encourage this direction: Consider joining the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, 350.org, or other organizations.

Help us move forward!

Kate Niles

Durango