Letter of the week: Fighting climate change globally

The world’s leaders finally came together last month at the United Nations climate change summit with a plan to rein in carbon emissions that cause global warming. What better way to start the new year?

About 200 nations have pledged to limit greenhouse gases emitted by humans burning fossil fuels to levels that by 2050 the Earth’s trees, soil and oceans can absorb naturally.

Much work needs to be done. There will be big changes in how people get energy, which now comes mostly from coal, oil and natural gas. Our transportation system will have to be transformed to clean energy.

Solar installations and wind farms need to be greatly expanded. Scientist James Hansen advocates for more nuclear energy. Tidal wave power needs to be increased.

All of us can increase conservation in our homes and workplaces and in the number of car trips we make.

We can mobilize behind this struggle against climate change just as Americans did in uniting during World War II. The aim is to leave a livable planet for our progeny.

Mary Helen Korbelik of Mission Hills is retired. She worked in the insurance industry and did a lot of volunteer work. She is passionate about the environment. She is a member of the Environmental Defense Fund, the Wilderness Society, the World Wildlife Fund and the Kansas Sierra Club. She has three adult children and two adult grandsons.

This story was originally published January 3, 2016 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Letter of the week: Fighting climate change globally."