In a recent letter, the author ended their well-written argument for the caretaking of our climate with a question: “Why stand in the way of progress?” (“Real cost of fossil fuels muddied by subsidies,” Star-Advertiser, May 24.) While I believe most fair-minded people welcome progress in the area of caring for our planet, in this case progress comes with the considerable pain of remarkably high energy costs and unpredictable energy sources.

Why not be more honest about the sacrifices we are asked to make in order to help the planet remain our hospitable host? A more forthright approach about the costs we will incur in helping the planet and our existence may go further than trying to convince me that an electric car emits zero emissions when its electricity most likely came from burning coal at the power plant or expensive solar equipment.

Many conservatives would be on board — but only by choice, not mandate.

Kris Schwengel

Hawaii Kai

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