However, if the president and Congress embrace the reality of climate change and act on funding the technologies previously mentioned, the inevitable cost of these catastrophic hurricanes can be mitigated.

The irreversible nature of climate change is clearly documented scientifically. In addition, the availability of fossil fuels in general is limited to slightly more than 100 years by conservative estimates, so alternate sources of energy will need to be pursued as soon as possible.

Among President Trump’s cabinet and his close advisers, the lack of informed opinion about the validity of current scientific information on climate change and his decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord are major concerns for our country and the world.

Forceful action on the part of the public in the coming election in Virginia is needed to move ahead on this issue, which is vital because of the serious consequences not only for the planet, but also for our posterity.

In the race for governor in Virginia, Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam is a strong supporter of climate change, and has gone on record to implement the necessary changes to reduce its negative effects.