Some things that third-graders know

Over the long run, man-made climate change is probably more dangerous to humanity than the coronavirus. Part of the reason is that the damage due to climate change takes place over long time scales. With some denying the immediate and obvious tragedy of COVID-19, which is happening right in front of our eyes, how can we expect people to worry about climate change?

That's where leadership comes in. On Oct. 6, the Daily Herald reports on a debate between Congressman Sean Casten and former candidate for governor Jeanne Ives. On carbon dioxide, one of the known causes of climate change, Ives says, "every third-grader knows you need [it] for plant life."

Well third-graders also know plants need sunshine, but too much exposure can cause deadly skin cancer. And third-graders also know that we need iodine in trace amounts but too much iodine is a poison. In fact, bottles of iodine are sometimes labeled with a skull and crossbones as a warning.

Sanford Morganstein

West Dundee