CLIMATE CHANGE: A call for action, not dismissal

The recent column dismissing 2024’s heat record reflects a misunderstanding of climate science and the urgency of addressing human-caused warming. While Earth’s climate has varied over geological timescales, today’s rapid warming, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, is unprecedented and alarming.

The argument that 200 years of climate data is too short ignores the wealth of evidence from ice cores, tree rings, and sediment records that reveal past climate trends. These data show the current warming far exceeds natural variability and aligns directly with industrial-era emissions.

Claiming warming will “make feeding everyone easier” oversimplifies. Heatwaves, droughts, and extreme weather, all intensified by climate change, are already reducing crop yields and threatening food security. Stable ecosystems and water availability, not just warmer temperatures, are essential for agriculture.

While storm frequency may not have risen significantly, storm intensity has. Warming oceans fuel stronger hurricanes with higher rainfall, contributing to rising disaster costs. These impacts are not solely due to increased infrastructure in hazard-prone areas.

Renewable energy like solar and wind is increasingly cost-competitive, offering practical solutions to reduce emissions. Investing in these technologies and adaptation measures isn’t panic spending; it’s preparation for the future.

Climate change is not about surrendering liberties but safeguarding the world for future generations. Acknowledging the science and acting responsibly isn’t alarmism; it’s common sense.

TONYA JEAN

Coeur d’Alene