iMatterMarch

I heard about iMatterMarch.org while listening to MSNBC over lunch today. This is the most heartening thing I have heard about on the political scene for an awful long time, an effort by teenagers to assert their right to inherit a habitable planet. They march, they protest and, on the practical level, they are bringing lawsuits in the attempt to compel the federal and state governments to take action to protect the environment. Here's what these young people say, and ask for:

Top climate scientists have determined what is needed to get our atmosphere balanced again at 350 ppm within a century.

• peak emissions in 2011
• least a 6% reduction in global CO2 emissions every year
• 100 gigaton reforestation (especially in the tropics)

These youngsters deserve our support. They have taken it upon themselves to do what their elders lack the guts to do, with an intelligence and foresight sadly lacking in their seniors. It's their future, and they are right to challenge those who would wish to deprive them of it.

I'm planning to make a contribution to their cause. I hope that readers of these words might do the same.

And, President Obama, pay attention to this opportunity to lend these smart young people the support of your office.