I was saddened but not surprised to read the plentitude of opinion but scarcity of facts in Mr. Voss’ and Mr. Suffron’s replies to my letter.
According to their point of view, we must disregard the opinions of the world leaders who vowed to decrease greenhouse gas emissions via the recent Paris accord. They all must be misinformed. As well, the overwhelming majority of independent scientists (those not employed by or with large investments in the fossil fuel industry) must all be mistaken in their opinion that climate change is indeed caused, in the main, by human activity.
If we attempt to change the dangerous outcome of continuing to spew uncontrolled amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, we will be engulfed in “radical socialism” and immediately become the Soviet Union, according to these gentlemen. It might be interesting to look at the Scandinavian countries, where socialism is the normative mode of government. They typically enjoy the highest standards of living and the best health care and educational achievement of developed nations. I hope that the gentlemen who have written do not plan to take advantage of our health care system at any point in their lives - that would be participating in socialized medicine.
It is humorous but also pathetic to hear fossil fuel advocates becoming hysterical when our provincial government discusses eventually putting a cap on emissions from the oilsands. We really cannot afford to be backward in this province in dealing with the highest danger mankind has ever faced.
Rather than continuing to express my opinion on this matter, I refer the reader to the following factual information:
Statement on Climate Change from 18 Scientific Associations:
“Observations throughout the world make it clear that climate change is occurring, and rigorous scientific research demonstrates that the greenhouse gases emitted by human activities are the primary driver.”
Source: climate.nasa.gov/evidence.
Nielle Hawkwood
