Extreme weather is on the rise ("Maryland braces for second heat wave," June 7). Maryland's heat wave is just one example, and scientists predict these extreme events will become increasingly common due to global warming.
Heat waves are actually more lethal than other extreme events and pose greater danger to at-risk groups. In our recent report, "Global Warming and Extreme Weather," we found the number of heat waves has gone up since 1960, while 2010 is tied for the warmest year on record. Two recent heat-related fatalities in Maryland so far along with the 32 deaths in 2010 bring home the dangers of extreme weather.
The threat of more extreme weather events is just one of many reasons we need big cuts in our global warming pollution. One of the easiest ways to do that is to make our cars and trucks less polluting. To make that happen, President Obama should ensure that new cars and trucks meet a 60 miles per gallon standard by 2025. Doing so would have the same effect as taking 70 million vehicles off the road, while saving the average Maryland family $726 at the gas pump annually.
The president should seize this historic opportunity.
Tommy Landers, Baltimore
The writer is campaign director of Environment Maryland.