Climate change is a major threat to both people and wildlife. Maine residents should be concerned about that, as the state is built around nature and what it has to offer. According to the Defenders of Wildlife, if strong action to address global warming isn’t taken soon, 20-30 percent of the world’s plant and animal species will be at increased risk of extinction by 2050. However, any comprehensive climate and energy legislation must dedicate 5 percent of the funding generated to safeguarding fish and wildlife and the natural resources on which we all rely.

People can start to do their part by simply recycling. Recycling will also cut the costs to Lewiston and Auburn. The more material that is recycled, the more money the towns save on trash removal costs.

I don’t know how many homes I walk by that have boxes just piled up on top of trash cans. People should set those boxes aside for the recycling company to pick up. The city makes money from recycling those boxes, which means cheaper taxes for all.

Nicole Pollock, Auburn