In response to the letter, “Carbon Dioxide Does Not Cause Global Warming,” [Dec. 25 Xpress] written by Michael Ivey: It was amusing to read that Mr. Ivey, speaking of the “Big Lie,” is himself parroting the lies promoted by the fuel industry. Ever since the 1990s, energy companies have been funding “studies” trying to cast doubt on anthropogenic (man-made) global warming.
Mr. Ivey, you say that CO2 has never caused global warming. Interesting, because ice cores from past warming events thousands of years ago do indeed show that CO2 increases correlated with the increase in temperature, just as it is today — the difference being that the warming we’re seeing is happening at a much faster rate than ever. CO2 is gas — whether it is a pollutant is determined by how much is in the atmosphere. CO2, along with methane and other greenhouse gases, helps the Earth retain heat. When in balance it’s fine, but when there’s too much, as is now the case, it tips the balance and causes the warming we are seeing.
It’s amazing to me that, despite all the empirical evidence available (melting polar ice, receding glaciers, increasing incidents of drought and severe storms), people still want to deny this very real phenomenon. There are Pacific island nations that have, for the first time in known history, been completely overwashed by high tides — tell them there is no warming! The ski industry in Europe is already trying to prepare for warmer winters, even (in some cases) going so far as to cover glaciers with giant “blankets” (for want of a better word) to keep their glaciers from melting.
I saw a report recently that noted that the United States is the only nation in the world — in the world! — where such a large number of people doubt the existence of something that 97 percent of climate scientists agree is a serious issue: Anthropogenic global warming is real and must be addressed before it’s too late, if it’s not already.
— Jim Cunningham
Charlotte
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