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Seek the truths shown by climate science

Since the news media do such a poor job of covering climate change, I feel compelled to respond to misinformation on the subject whenever I see it. In a recent letter to the editor, Bob Lowth argues that the rise in temperature over the last century is within the realm of normal variables. In fact, though the increase may seem small, it represents an extraordinarily rapid rate of change compared to changes in the previous 10,000 years. In addition, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere has risen sharply since the start of the Industrial Revolution, recently reaching 400 parts per million for the first time in human history. This is clearly not a naturally occurring variable.

Mr. Lowth also claims that, regarding global warming, “scientific consensus is that the evidence today is rather specious.” This is simply not true. An analysis of peer-reviewed scientific articles published from 1993-2003 concerning global climate change found that zero of 928 papers disagreed with the consensus position on human-caused global warming. Several studies confirm that 97 percent of climate experts agree humans are causing global warming.

Finally, Mr. Lowth casts doubt on the climate scientists who are calling for action, stating, “If you look at the ones who are adamant perhaps you should also look at their funding.” Once again, the facts point to a different reality. The fossil fuel industry is the most profitable industry on the planet, and they are doing all they can to spread misinformation and prevent the necessary change to clean energy. For example, the Heartland Institute, a major climate change denier, is heavily funded by ExxonMobil and Koch Industries. I I would urge Mr. Lowth to search the Internet for “Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Science.” He’ll find facts there, not exaggerations.

Janet McDonnell

Arlington Heights

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