Your report "Asthma hospitalizations in Maryland could rise with climate change" (May 14) underscores the fact that climate change isn't just a part of Maryland's future but a part of our daily lives — a part that will become much more costly unless we take swift and responsible action to cut greenhouse gas pollution.
The pollution contributing to global warming also has significant negative impacts on the brain development of Maryland infants and children as well as on fetal development as a result of the mercury and other neurotoxins generated from burning coal and other fossil fuels.
While an out-of-touch few still deny the world is warming, the reality is that coastal states like Maryland are already living with the enormous economic costs and tragic human health consequences that our failure to take action on climate change has created.
It's time for Maryland to support policies on climate change and renewable energy that will secure the safety and prosperity of our country while preserving a future for our children that can be lived to its fullest potential.
Natasha Cabrera, College Park
The writer is director of the Family Involvement Laboratory at the University of Maryland College Park.