GLOBAL WARMING--LOGICAL CONCERNS AND RESPONSES

GLOBAL WARMING—LOGICAL CONCERNS AND RESPONSES

Scientists, politicians and citizens disagree about many aspects of the current global warming debate, but there seem to be some areas of commonality that allow for a constructive and progressive timetable. There are those who deny that carbon emissions are responsible for polar ice melt and various climate changes, but who support efforts to clean up the environment and various clean air initiatives. Although we may not agree on all of the possible causes, consequences and timeframes of environmental degradation, the world agrees that united efforts to improve overall air quality and the environment as soon as possible are a very good idea. In many ways, regardless of the outcome of current debate, we are all better off because of the attention given to global warming.

In seeking to pinpoint causes of environmental changes and their various consequences, we frequently lose sight of opportunities for meaningful improvement in our ability to cooperate environmentally with each other in all of our various interactions. How can we make meaningful progress which will avoid the unproductive debate over contentious issues that have little to do with real solutions for environmental degradation?

All of us face health risks associated with the quality of the air we breathe, whether or not air pollution ultimately results in catastrophic polar melting. Given the sense of urgency associated with real and perceived dangers from global warming, this is a perfect time to get our environmental houses in order and to focus on the prevention of future pollution through proactive legislation and agreements which call attention to various obstacles to a clean environment for us all.

By calling attention to pollution and environmental issues through various educational programs, we can teach our fellow citizens much that has already been discovered about the prevention of environmental degradation and about the many improvements which are now possible. By working together as citizens and nations of the world, we can pass along a cleaner and environmentally safer world to our grandchildren with much greater authority, by building on the knowledge and experiences we have already encountered.

Mark Overt Skilbred