CLIMATE: Geer got it right

A letter published in the Coeur d’Alene Press on Friday, Nov. 13 written by Geddie Fredy failed to represent correctly the facts about the Northwest Climate Conference held here at The Coeur d’Alene Resort a few weeks ago. It is important to correct the written record. In difference to what Mr. Freddie states, Mr. Geer’s speech actually did state that the warming trends we are now seeing in our area are man caused. I personally attended all three days of the climate conference. I took extensive and accurate notes, and spoke with Mr. Geer, a noted biologist, following his speech.

All of the speakers at that conference of more than 300 scientists from all over the Northwest were perfectly united in their knowledge. The world’s temperature is increasing, CO2 levels are increasing, deserts are expanding, and shortages of fresh water are occurring. All of these effects are related to humans’ impact on the Earth. Mr. Geer considers this kind of speech his introductory speech, during which he briefly introduces the fact that the current climate changes we now see are man caused. Mr. Geer proceeded in the conference to tell us about all the coming changes to wildlife habitat in our local environment we will have to adapt to, and make changes for.

Mr. Geer told us that our steelhead runs will have reduced populations due to increased stream temperatures that are man caused. He tells us that 40 percent of our natural environment in the northwest will change in our lifetime. Noxious weeds like cheat grass are increasing, thus affecting fire danger. Pine beetle infestation is increasing, due to increased temperatures. Our coastal estuaries are being affected with increased temperatures and increased sea levels. The list of changes goes on and is saddening. Mr. Geer told us we must protect, reconnect and restore to help our current beautiful northwest environment to survive, and especially for our human species to continue to enjoy this environment.

Mr. Geer wanted to make sure we had his email if anyone in Coeur d’Alene had any questions about the changes we are facing. His email is available if anyone is interested: www.SustainableEconomiesNW.com/

ANNE NESSE

Coeur d’Alene