What does China’s smog mean for America’s role? #tellusatoday

Letter edited for clarity and grammar:

I find President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate the leader of one of the world’s largest and most environmentally disastrous oil companies to serve as secretary of State unacceptable. ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson’s nomination is a direct threat to the clean air, clean water and response to climate change necessary for the health of Americans.

ExxonMobil not only deliberately concealed its knowledge of climate change for decades, but is also responsible for one of the costliest environmental disasters in history. We need foreign policy leaders who will address the climate change threat.

Sarah Willey; Florissant, Mo.

Facebook comments edited for clarity, grammar:

To me this smog problem in China proves that President-elect Donald Trump is correct. Why should Americans contribute more of our hard-earned tax dollars to China or India?

They need to clean up their own air.

—John James

We still contribute more carbon dioxide emissions per capita than China. Coal is on its way out. Innovation in clean energy can provide jobs, profits and clean air. It is a win-win. America must lead or fall behind and lose to innovators elsewhere.

—Scott Hardy

Welcome to Donald Trump’s America, where the Environmental Protection Agency is not needed and global warming is a hoax.

—David Apkarian

The issue of pollution in China is why it is good that in the USA we pay attention to our environment. Not one U.S. city is listed in the top 1,000 of the world’s worst polluters, according to the World Health Organization.

It is worth the money that this country spends to be green.

—Bruce Mort

We asked our followers what role U.S. should play in the global climate fight. Tweets edited for clarity and grammar:

Let’s start with our new administration acknowledging there is a problem.

—@LindsayAlderman

The U.S. should play no role.

—@acarroll_1114

Our incoming president and his Cabinet will sadly do nothing about climate change or environmental issues. So, moot point.

—@BuellaMarie

Heavy export fees for anything being shipped to America from China. Until the pollution is under control.

—@cajuntrumpster

For more, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter.