Cold doesn't nullify global warming

"Fence Post" letters occasionally cause me to shake my head or my fist. But Rob Gunther's letter of Jan. 19 demands a response. As a scientist and researcher I am often amazed by such exhibitions of willful ignorance.

Mr. Gunther claims that recent weather and record-setting low temperatures "are God's way of telling" Mr. Gore to return his Nobel Prize. Such uninformed bombast cannot go unchallenged.

Mr. Gore and the UNIPCC were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize - not a Nobel for science. Perhaps Mr. Gunther would like Desmond Tutu return his Peace Prize since racial and tribal conflict persists in South Africa. Maybe the recent fighting in Gaza is "God's way of telling" Former President Carter to return his Nobel.

Weather events are not climatic evidence. People often confuse weather with climate. A week of subzero temperatures doesn't disprove climate change, any more than a summer heat wave proves it.

A group of scientists disagrees with some of the UNIPCC and Mr. Gore's evidence. I would hope so. Scientific progress relies on discussion and dissent. The complexity of climatology and the extreme time frames required for measurable impact assure a lack of scientific consensus over most climatic research.

Most judgments regarding Mr. Gore relate to the documentary "An Inconvenient Truth." In fairness, Mr. Gore used largely circumstantial evidence to build a case for human activity causing rising carbon dioxide levels and climate change. Also, some of his statements were hyperbole.

But the negative impact of excessive consumption of resources, resulting pollution, and social and economic impact cannot be ignored. Promoting energy efficiency, developing renewable resources and other "green" technologies and practices cannot help but benefit both our nation and the world.

Whetheror not one agrees with Mr. Gore and UNIPCC,raising awareness of these issues should be acknowledged and applauded.

Tim Springer, Ph.D.

Batavia