As Massachusetts lawmakers, we’re prepared to do what it takes. That’s why we’re in Bonn, Germany, to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Along with 2,500 other state legislators, city officials, religious groups, universities, and businesses, we’re letting the world know we’re ready to lead.

Backing words with the right action will be easier after Bonn. Here, we’re finding broad agreement that the best way to curb carbon emissions is to “put a price on carbon.” More than 40 countries already price carbon, harnessing the power of markets to expedite the transition to renewable energy. The premise is simple: a fee on fossil fuels drives down their use and incentivizes clean energy instead. The revenue generated can be rebated back to households and businesses, or used to invest in green infrastructure.