Dem senator: Santa Claus could be a climate refugee

A Democratic senator seeking more aggressive action on climate change says Santa Claus will be a victim of melting Arctic ice.

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) wrote an open letter to Santa Claus in the Huffington Post ahead of the Christmas holiday.

Here it is:

Dear Santa Claus,

I am writing out of concern, because you may have to move from the North Pole due to the dramatic melting of Arctic sea ice.  The Navy’s chief oceanographer says that by the summer of 2020 the North Pole may not have summer ice and other scientists project that an ice-free Arctic is possible as soon as 2012! 

Scientists overwhelmingly agree that polar ice is melting because of greenhouse gas pollution and I am working hard to reduce these emissions.  But there is probably nothing we can do in time to save the North Pole.  I am worried about your safety and your ability to deliver billions of Christmas gifts if the ice cap on the North Pole no longer stays frozen all year.  What will happen to your house, your workshop, the elves’ houses and your reindeer barns? 

I want you to know that if you want to relocate to the beautiful state of New Jersey, I would be proud to assist you.  But given the climate you are accustomed to, I will understand if you would like to relocate to the South Pole.  Just be sure not to move to the Antarctic Peninsula or West Antarctic ice sheet, areas that are also experiencing rapid ice melt. 

Please know that I will work to mobilize the U.S. federal government to assist when you relocate.  I am sure we can both agree that on a warming planet, we need to do all we can to save Christmas.     

Sincerely,
Robert Menendez
U.S. Senator