It's incomprehensible to deny climate change

The oddest thing about climate change is not the fact of it, but the dialogue about it. Look, the climate is changing, the data is clear. The world is warming. Why is this a political discussion? Why does one party line up to deny man-made climate change? Good news: At least Florida's politicians are finally getting it. Maybe because it affects that state directly.

A scientist can point to charts and tables, but that's when the deniers' eyes glaze over. Let me just add one recent datum: Greenland's ice is melting faster than expected and could add 26 inches to sea level by 2100. Source: ScienceFocus.com, BBC and others.

Climate change is not a hoax, as some who are politically motivated maintain. Did you ever see a greenhouse on a cold snowy day? The green plants inside are doing just fine. Greenhouse gases work the same way that greenhouse glass works. It's not a political question. You can't lobby Mother Nature.

Here are the arguments: "The climate is always changing." Well, yes. Just like there have always been car accidents and for lots of different reasons; does that mean we should barrel through red lights?

"The predictions are wrong." Yes, many have been off somewhat. But, so have many of Newton's (you know, the apple and the tree guy) gravity predictions until modified slightly by Einstein. An apple will still fall from a tree despite errors in Newton's law. Even though Newton was wrong, no one is encouraged to walk off a roof.

Let's say nine of out 10 doctors tell you that a life threatening tumor you have must be removed as soon as possible. Let's say one out of 10 says, "Nah ... let's wait to see what happens." Which doc's advice would you follow?

Sanford Morganstein

West Dundee