Baffling GOP stance on climate change

I continue to be perplexed by the persisting GOP mantra represented in your Nov. 12 article "GOP candidates say humans aren't causing climate change." Is this party discipline, a true belief by these individuals, or a continuing denial of science that characterized the Bush administration?

As a geoscientist trained to remain skeptical until presented with evidence and data, I find the case for a human impact on climate convincing. I also find the logic of a concern for air pollution, security risk of imported and future limited access to hydrocarbons, and water and food issues related to climate change irrefutable, particularly with projections of global population increasing by 50 percent by 2030.

The American Geophysical Union shows the best scientific understanding of this issue to date: "The Earth's climate is now clearly out of balance and is warming. Many components of the climate system-including the temperatures of the atmosphere, land and ocean, the extent of sea ice and mountain glaciers, the sea level, the distribution of precipitation, and the length of seasons - are now changing at rates and in patterns that are not natural and are best explained by the increased atmospheric abundances of greenhouse gases and aerosols generated by human activity during the 20th century. Global average surface temperatures increased on average by about 0.6C over the period 1956-2006. As of 2006, 11 of the previous 12 years were warmer than any others since 1850."

I commend U.S Rep. Mark Kirk for his pro cap-and-trade vote and his courage to step out for his beliefs. Unfortunately, too many of these thoughtful, moderate Republicans are being driven out of the GOP. I remain concerned that illogical and ultimately self-destructive mindsets that some might perceive as blocking Democratic initiatives at all costs will hinder prudent action that can get us going in the right direction.

John Bodine

Naperville