Chris Tomlinson: Kevin McCarthy, Republican leaders in Congress could save the world with climate profits

Incoming House Speaker Kevin McCarthy might save the world as we know it. For decades, GOP politicians have denied the reality of climate change caused by human-produced greenhouse gas emissions. With slogans like “drill, baby drill,” Republican lawmakers have put the wealth of their fossil fuel fanatics ahead of humanity’s health. Climate denial is no longer an option, though, and McCarthy recognizes global warming. Wielding the speaker’s gavel, he has the power to turn his party from the world’s foremost blocker of progress to an important voice for free-market solutions. The future of the planet rests on his courage to lead conservatives in a new direction. Orthodoxy is a stubborn thing. The most fervent members of any group resist change to fundamental beliefs, especially those going back decades. Only 11 percent of Republicans believe climate change should be a top priority, according to a January poll by Pew Research.

Meanwhile, 75 percent of Americans believe humans are changing the climate, and 42 percent think it is the most important issue facing the world today. Fifty-four percent of Americans under the age of 29 say global warming is the biggest threat to the nation. McCarthy took the brave step as House minority leader to name energy and climate as one of his seven priorities. He tasked Republican colleagues to come up with a climate change strategy, including Texas Reps. Dan Crenshaw of Houston, Michael Burgess of Denton, and August Pfluger of Midland. A decade ago, such a committee would hear fossil fuel lobbyists declaring global warming unproven. They’d insist the earth’s climate changes all the time and humanity can do nothing about it. Today, every major oil and natural gas company publicly acknowledges human-induced climate change. The vast majority want a tax on carbon dioxide emissions and payments for capturing carbon because they recognize their future relies on stabilizing the planet’s temperature, which means reducing emissions. The Oil and Gas Climate Initiative brings together 12 CEOs of the largest oil and gas companies. The group is committed to the Paris Climate Accords, which aim to hit net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.