Get up to speed on climate change

I take issue with the opinions Jim Slusher expressed in "When wonder transcends politics" on Aug. 31. A solar eclipse is an awesome natural display. Harvey was not natural. The devastation of Harvey was fed by rising sea levels and unusually warm Gulf waters, both of which result from our warming climate.

I applaud the fact that neighbors helping neighbors knows no ideological divide, but I do not accept the premise that we should delay discussion of the root causes of Harvey's unprecedented devastation until some later time. As Katrina and Sandy have demonstrated, there will be no later. The only time is now.

The Daily Herald and many other media outlets have failed do the demanding work of examining the science, separating out the politics and helping their readerships understand the impending impacts of climate change.

The Herald prides itself on providing a local perspective. There are local impacts. The recent flooding along the Des Plaines and Fox Rivers would be a good example. The State Climatologist's office published and assessment of heavy rain events at the Illinois State Water Survey's website. The increase in heavy rainfall events is the predictable result as our atmosphere warms and can hold more moisture. The list goes on.

It's time for the Daily Herald to get itself and subsequently its readership up to speed on what's happening.

Deni Mathews

Bartlett