Climate change, mixed zoning, subway scanners, trans rights

Add climate change to ’24 talking points

Now that the presidential election is progressing, instead of just talking about the economy, immigration or a presidential candidate’s legal problems, it is time to bring climate change to the forefront [“NYS budget omits climate acts,” News, April 27].

Our Earth faces great stress from the increasing temperature rise in the oceans. The Antarctic is in crisis. Sheets of ice are melting rapidly and could result in a loss of over 20% of its ice.

Compounding the problem is the loss of plankton and krill, which are essential food in the fish population chain. Another crucial issue is the coral reefs because rising ocean temperatures are causing bleaching of the reefs and erosion of coral. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned that more than 54% of the world’s coral reefs are experiencing bleaching in the past year. This is alarming. Twenty-five percent of all ocean life — over 4,000 species of fish — depends on coral reefs.

We ought to hear what policies the presidential candidates propose to deal with this evolving calamity.

 — William Lemmey,  Astoria, Queens

Mixed zoning key to villages’ success

Reviving villages is a key component to healthy environments [“Downtown turnarounds,” LI Real Estate, April 19]. Zoning should always allow residential and business space to be in the same area.

As noted by a longtime Patchogue resident, everyone there used to shop at local stores. Villages were the original design of Long Island. The old downtown villages along the North and South shores were originally built for people, not for cars. The middle of Long Island got developed differently, mostly sprawl. That made car traffic one of the biggest factors affecting living on Long Island.

Villages have positive impacts — supporting local businesses and encouraging active transportation. People walking and biking to places instead of driving there strengthens communities because of the interaction between people. People driving long distances to shop supports corporations and creates more pollution. Also, some people in cars seem more hostile when driving.

Reviving villages will not only encourage people to get out of their cars but would improve the quality of life on Long Island. Reviving villages will help that happen.

 — Angela King-Horne, Oakdale

Subway scanners pose radiation worry

I suffer from EHS, electromagnetic-hypersensitivity syndrome, and I am appalled that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will expose the riding public to more electromagnetic fields with their proposed scanners [“Scanners in subway raise concerns,” News, April 16].

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been shown to be harmful. The World Health Organization has recognized them as a matter of increasing health concern. We already have Wi-Fi and electronics charging on our public transportation that is making travel difficult for EMF-sensitive people and everyone. All are affected whether or not they are aware.

Peer-reviewed studies in respected journals have revealed calcium buildup in the brain from EMF exposure and have also shown effects on the body similar to those of chronic fatigue syndrome. EMF exposure affects many body systems, and people have effects they may not connect to it, such as headaches, tinnitus, stomach problems and rashes. It’s time our health is put first.

 — Barbara Novack, Laurelton

Kudos all around for defending trans rights

District Court Judge Nusrat Choudhury and state Attorney General Letitia James should be commended for their bravery and steadfast values in the face of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s transphobic order to ban transgender girls and women from athletics in Nassau County facilities [“Judge’s dismissal of trans suit irksome,” Letters, April 17].

Choudhury’s dismissal of Blakeman’s baseless attempt to file a federal lawsuit against James’ office was a critical step in the right direction to ensuring equal protection under the 14th Amendment for Nassau County residents. Choudhury’s additional ruling, clearing the way for James to challenge the legality of the executive order, should be commended, too.

Clinicians, trainers, educators, coaches and athletes have stood firmly against Blakeman’s discriminatory and evidentially baseless executive order. Now, bureaucratic actions should value the input of experts instead of that of everyday citizens who simply believe that the notion of transgender girls and women in sports is “just not right.”

Time and time again, Blakeman has abandoned his campaign promises, choosing instead to devote time and resources to demonizing the transgender community.

As a transgender man and Nassau County resident, I could not be prouder of the brave women in government fighting for my community when others apparently don’t have the courage.

 — Carter Allen, Garden City