Comedian: Climate change is no laughing matter

Economist and stand-up comedian Dr. Yoram Bauman speaks to SLCC students in the Oak Room during Earth Day festivities on Wednesday, April 19. (SK Fineshriber)

Salt Lake Community College invited a “stand-up economist” to Taylorsville Redwood Campus as part of their Earth Day celebrations last Wednesday.

Stand-up comedian and economist Dr. Yoram Bauman performed a comic routine on politics and the economy, telling jokes and involving the crowd. Bauman also discussed climate change and the ways he believe could help change the direction of the climate.

While Bauman says there are many factors that contribute to climate change, carbon emissions are the biggest reason for the warming temperatures and the most difficult problem for our environment. He says a carbon tax would help combat the amount of carbon burned.

By taxing carbon per pound, Bauman says companies would have incentive to find better and cleaner ways to do business. The tax collected would also create tax cuts and would help with making a green mindset.

Bauman explained that such a bill exists in parts of Canada and it has been working quite well, even boosting their local economy. He helped create a similar bill in Seattle, Washington, but it was ultimately voted down.

In all, Bauman put on a show that not only entertained but informed everyone who attended the event. Whether his audience is full of college students or bankers, the stand-up economist loves to travel the country and share his message about climate change in a fun and creative way.

In addition to his skits, Bauman has written “The Cartoon Introductions to Climate Change” and posted multiple YouTube videos on the subject.

Anyone interested in learning more about Bauman can visit his website or follow him on social media.