Editor:
We have hit a tipping point in human caused global warming which is leading to climate change, wherein no matter what we do now, the impacts will be felt by future generations for the foreseeable future. We have failed our children by not protecting our earth. Furthering the obfuscation of this reality simply makes the future that much more difficult, if not impossible.
Although hesitant to wade into a quagmire, I think it important to stop misinformation of the causes of global warming. I read Albert Reeve’s Sept. 13 letter, “Science and case making,” wherein he states his misinterpretation of the data, particularly as it relates to his statement “the major controller of temperature is the intensity of solar radiation incident upon the earth.” In accordance with volumes of detailed analysis, and summarized by the Union of Concerned Scientists, “Over the time-scale of millions of years, the change in solar intensity is a critical factor influencing climate (e.g., ice ages). However, changes in the rate of solar heating over the last century cannot account for the magnitude of the rise in global mean temperature since the late 1970s.” Time is critical, and such is the importance of Gayle Neilson’s comments in her Sept. 6 letter, “Believe the scientists.”
As a species, we learn from our mistakes, but we have to be willing to accept the truth. Until that happens, we will continue to argue and debate, and our future will continue to become less tenable.
We had an expression in the navy, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” So, for those who wish to live in denial and find excuses for not acting immediately, please follow or get out of the way.
Erich V. Schwartz, President, Greenomics, Gibsons
