Climatic Horror

Today, I learned that the latest scientific data about icecaps of Antarctica is not good. Scientists had forecast that, as the icecaps of the Arctic melted, the warmer temperatures on earth would result in more snow over Antarctica, which would create a more dense ice pack. Not so, apparently. Both the northern and southern poles are seeing more rapid melting of the ice than previously thought to be the case. Scientists are warning that the world could see 200 foot increases in sea level (not in my lifetime...but sooner that would have once been thought possible). I heard one scientist predict that, unless we somehow reverse the process, children today will see 80 foot increases in sea level by the time they reach middle age.

OK, Bush and pals, I will concede that there is no definitive proof that global warming is the cause of this catastrophic development. I'll concede, too, that severe restrictions on emissions of green house gases could have a negative impact on businesses, if business simply fails to respond to restrictions by redirecting resources and energies into other revenue streams. But I will not concede that damage to profitability trumps damage to the future of the planet and all the creatures on it.

This country, this EARTH, so desperately needs leaders who will be open, straightforward, and brutally honest. We need leaders who will insist on massive changes in political policies that will not only promote policies to minimize emission of greenhouse gases, but will punish countries, companies, and individuals that don't change their behavior. We need a U.S. president who will say, "Americans, we are at a critical crossroads. We must either take immediate, bold, and dramatic steps to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases or we must take responsibility for the irreversible destruction of the planet. Today, not tomorrow, but TODAY, we must act to change or we will be signing the death warrants on our children and our grandchildren...and if we do not act, we will be assuring our children that we have sacrificed them for our own convenience." Or words to that effect.

OK, what if the scientists are wrong and the U.S. president is right? What if greenhouse gases aren't responsible? What if it's a natural cycle? Well, the economy might (or might not) be harmed temporarily. And the U.S. president will be proven right. (Chances: 1 in 999 trillion.)

Then it won't matter that we cut back on greenhouse gases...the world won't notice.

But if the scientists are right, the world will be a very different, awfully uncomfortable place (if it is even habitable). Enormous numbers...millions and millions...of people will suffer and die. All because our president and our people are unwilling to rein in their greed.