Governor Joe Lombardo may not have been aware of the politicians’ credo “Timing is Everything” when he announced that he would withdraw Nevada from the US climate alliance. His decision comes just as Southern Nevada is experiencing an epic heatwave and every newsfeed is filled with the daily horrors of flooding, climate-related building collapses and unrelenting heat domes. Difficult timing and the decision to move away from intergovernmental cooperation are setbacks for Nevada’s economy, our health, and our reputation as an innovative, dynamic state.
Exiting the Alliance will remove the ability for Nevada residents to participate in sharing information and best practices to reduce pollution and prepare our state for climate impacts such as increased heat, drought, grid congestion, air pollution, novel insect-borne diseases and to capitalize on water quality concerns. The Alliance recently announced the release of a new website and database to study these issues and share solutions. Many of our municipalities and counties are engaged in sustainability planning and projects, and the lack of coordination at the state level will reduce their capacity.
Perhaps Governor Lombardo is not aware that 60 percent of Nevada residents believe global warming is already harming people in the United States, and 56 percent believe the governor should do more to fight global warming.
In 2023, many more people are worried and concerned about climate change than they were a decade ago. In addition, most people recognize that their personal actions are not enough and that we need comprehensive political solutions. A large portion of Clark County residents have contributed to the county’s sustainability plan. Most resort corporations, Allegiant Stadium and small businesses across the state know that a focus on sustainability is good for customer relationships and often good for their bottom line.
Critics may point out that Nevada’s carbon footprint is small — not compared to huge economies like China and India. But what we are doing here matters a great deal locally and globally. Globally, US leadership in promoting accountability and the global spread of clean technologies is extremely important. The Inflation Reduction Act is already expected to introduce a “green premium” that will reduce global emissions by 2.4 to 2.9 tons per ton of US reduction
Aggressive climate action is good for Nevada’s economy. Solar and energy efficiency companies employed over 20,000 Nevada residents last year. Additional jobs in renewable construction, electric vehicles, hydropower, wind power, geothermal, mining and climate resilience far outstrip employment in the fossil fuel sector. Efficient electrical appliances for heating, cooling, cooking and other purposes save businesses and residents money over their lifetime.
Choosing renewable energy over fossil fuels will directly benefit the health of Nevada residents by reducing air pollution. Air pollution, largely caused by the burning of fossil fuels, causes at least 100,000 deaths a year in the US. It is linked to heart disease and stroke, asthma and chronic lung disease, and the risk of death from COVID-19. In children, it is linked to everything from infant mortality to school absenteeism. Even dementia and diabetes are likely caused in part by air pollution.
Recent studies show that even short-term spikes in pollution lead to an increase in deaths. Populations of color are more exposed to air pollution, and black and low-income populations are at higher risk of dying from pollution.
A respected analysis by a Duke University researcher shows that meeting the US climate pact under the Paris Agreement will prevent an estimated 4.5 million premature deaths and over $700 billion in benefits over 50 years in the US through better health and labor productivity. Nevada residents should take this opportunity to relieve our overburdened healthcare system.
Nevada is still a place where unusual ideas can materialize. Nevada businesses have ventured into the future with EV ridesharing, energy-efficient mass homes, and more than one battery factory. We have an opportunity to be a dynamic, diversified economy independent of dependence on other states’ energy. Governor Lombardo should reconsider that decision and commit to promoting renewable energy and reducing fossil fuel use in Nevada. A healthy Nevada is a happier and more productive Nevada.
Joanne Leovy is a primary care physician, founder of Nevada Clinicians for Climate Action, and volunteers as Nevada State Co-Coordinator for Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
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