We’re falling behind on climate change

From the New York Times, July 30: “Ravenous fires. Searing heat waves. Freakish storms. The summer of 2026 has already shattered meteorological records in several European countries.”

The story then quotes Johan Rockstrom, a Swedish scientist who is director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany: “2026 is just the beginning. It will inevitably get worse. It will get worse and worse and worse to the point where, I’m afraid, we’ll be passing the limits of adaptability.”

Extreme weather has been lashing other parts of the world, including the United States, yet President Trump calls climate change a hoax as he hauls in millions of dollars in political contributions from oil interests.

For over four decades it has been the consensus of climate scientists — including climate scientists employed by oil companies — that burning fossil fuels is causing a greenhouse effect that is warming our planet and causing more extreme weather.

The scientists’ predictions over the decades have proved to be accurate. The predictions of the deniers and minimizers have proved to be wrong.

China has surged to a wide lead in solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles, increasing its jobs, wealth, prestige and influence.

In contrast, President Trump promotes fossil fuels and blocks clean energy solar and wind projects even though the clean energy with battery storage is less expensive, especially when fossil fuels’ health-threatening pollution and contribution to climate change and its damage are considered.

Candidate Trump said he would work for lower prices. He came out with tariffs.

He said he would release the Epstein files. He fought the release.

He said he would avoid wars. He attacked Iran.

He repeatedly said the war would be over soon. No end is in sight.

Can he be believed on climate change or anything else?

Richard Barsanti, Western Springs