I would like to suggest that those like Mr. Prins (Gazette Your Views, July 4) who are still in denial regarding global warming take time (with an open mind) to seriously study the science on this important issue. The physics behind the greenhouse effect is basic and undeniable – i.e. an increase in the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere means more energy is trapped by the Earth. This energy has to go somewhere, such as into higher atmospheric temperatures, the melting of polar icecaps and/or increased ocean temperatures.
So while global atmospheric temperatures may not have been rising recently, ocean temperatures have increased and polar ice caps are melting rapidly. The increasing amount of trapped energy is definitely having an effect on our planet.
My thought is that one can do what is ‘right’ in terms of being a responsible citizen of the Earth (which may cost us more) or one can do what is ‘cheap’ (the status quo) and unfortunately Mr. Prins and many others have taken the latter approach with respect to greenhouse gas emissions. My only request of Mr. Prins and other climate change deniers is not to misuse science to justify their behaviour.
David Spink, St. Albert
