Editor:
There remain some Doubting Thomases as to whether the science is settled on human exacerbated climate change, just as some still doubt that smoking causes cancer, or whether Elvis really did leave the building. Fortunately, they are in the distinct, albeit persistent, minority.
In asserting such doubts, now more akin to myths, they demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of science itself, that is, science is never fully settled on any particular theory. Scientific theories are only ever settled based on the best scientific evidence available at the time. When evidence emerges suggesting older theories are in need of revision, the theories are revised, based on that new best evidence. Science is a dynamic rather than static process.
Canada’s substantial delegation has just returned from the landmark United Nations climate talks in Paris. The Paris Agreement is now in place. While it represents the best political compromise possible at this time across the 190 participating nations, it still falls far short of what the science tells us is needed if we are to avoid climate catastrophes. The Paris Agreement must be regarded as a minimum floor position, above which we all need to achieve.
Mother Nature is sending us strong warnings which we ignore at our peril: more frequent and dangerous storms, more extensive and prolonged droughts and fire seasons, accelerating northern warming, rising and acidified sea levels, and more. Those who understand the science, the political imperative, and who feel a responsibility to future generations need to redouble our efforts to educate and mobilize our citizenry so we can provide our political representatives with the base of popular support they will need to increase our local, regional and national efforts to combat climate change faster than the Paris Agreement implores.
As the sign says, “There is NO PLANet B!”
Jef Keighley, Halfmoon Bay
