I have read with great interest the letters to the editor written by Mr. Ken Allred (St. Albert Gazette, June 25) and Mr. Michael E. Mann (Gazette, June 29.)
The paleontologists and scientists at the world class Tyrell research facility in Drumheller have stated that climate changes 70 million years ago contributed to the demise of the dinosaurs. Earth and climate scientists have stated that our climate has changed from tropical to ice age over the last 100 million years. They have found significant evidence of these changes in the Arctic, such as tropical plants and animal life preserved in the ice and geological earth formations left by melting and receding glaciers.
There is no doubt climate changes are on-going and no doubt all human and animal activity contributes to this phenomena. A very learned engineer/scientist many years ago stated that cows burping produce as much CO2 as automobiles.
Mr. Al Gore predicted all the North American coastal cities would be under water by this time. Mr. Gore made millions of dollars selling his laboratory produced global warming/iceberg melting videos to thousands of educational institutions.
Mr. Bernie Sanders, Democratic candidate for President of the United States has stated that he will eliminate the use of fossil fuels in the next 30 years (he hasn’t said how and with what).
That means: no automobiles, trains or airplanes; no asphalt, concrete, steel; huge reduction in food production and many more millions of starving people world-wide; huge reduction in forest product production; no space research; no computers, no GPS; no cellphones, etc.
Do you want to live in Mr. Sanders world? My guess is that the bulk of his supporters would be very disappointed in this world.
We are very fortunate to have had the technical capability to harness energy from fossil fuels and create the highest standard of living and a substantial increase in human life span. Fossil fuels have provided enormous benefits and positive outcomes for human development, survival and health.
To those who have a viable alternative, I ask you to please come forward with your solution. All I have heard is hollow words of criticism of our existing fossil fuel dependent lifestyle.
I suggest a concerted effort to mitigate and manage any negative impacts while still remaining open to any viable and sustainable technology is the responsible approach, and will provide the best outcome.
Stan P. Kolomyjec, St. Albert
