Our action is only uncertainty

James Hansen, the pre-eminent climate scientist and University of Iowa alum who studied under the great James Van Allen, must feel like a scientist of another era.

Galileo had made observations using a new device called a telescope to confirm the theory of Copernicus that proposed the planets, including Earth, revolved around the sun. This view conflicted with the established doctrine of the Catholic Church. Galileo was summoned before the Roman Inquisition, which declared his statements heresy. He was ordered to 'abstain completely from teaching or defending this doctrine …”

Dr. Hansen, as director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, was placed under a gag order by the Bush administration to prevent him from discussing climate science publicly.

Hansen has been an author on 83 peer-reviewed scientific publications dealing with climate science since the year 2000. Scientists' predictions of the causal effect of the increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels and the attendant rise in worldwide average land and sea temperatures have been verified by actual measurements.

Other studies have measured the thermal output of the sun and have disproved the widely circulated argument that the heat gain is caused by the normal variation in the thermal output of the sun. The overwhelming consensus of climate scientists is that global warming is real and is caused by human activity. The Third National Climate Change Assessment (www.globalchange.gov) is the work of more than 240 researchers and scientists at national laboratories, universities, and research centers across the nation. It contains global temperature data and region specific predictions of the effects of global warming.

2 CAMPS OF DENIERS

If the science of global warming is not in doubt, then why do we hear a chorus of global warming deniers?

One camp of deniers has an inherent bias. They either directly or indirectly benefit from the production and marketing of fossil fuels. It also includes politicians who receive campaign financing from those interests. If one considers all the products and services derived from those industries, it is a mighty big list. The electrical utility industry, the petrochemical industry, the transportation industry, and the fertilizer and agriculture industries are all heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Unless inaction is causing loss of dollars and cents, no action will be taken.

A second denier camp includes those who are distrustful of or hostile to government regulation. This position is not irrational. Who among us desires more government intrusion in our private affairs? But what if the actions of others have a direct bearing on your ability to pursue your American dream? What if you live in an area prone to flooding or farm in an area prone to drought? What if you own a home or business destroyed by a tornado or hurricane? What if your American dream is no longer insurable? Then what? Do you expect the government to bail you out?

As. Hansen makes clear in his 2012 TED presentation, we are now experiencing the predicted effects of global warming. The global concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere continues to rise. There is little time left to make significant reductions in green house gases to mitigate the most severe repercussions to planet earth. We must act now!

YOU CAN ACT

What can you do? Educate yourself and your friends and associates on climate science. Read the Third Climate Change Assessment. Advocate for politicians and community leaders who base their positions on sound science, rather than on opinion.

Support organizations that are leading the fight against polluters and environmental destruction with legal action. These include the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Demand action on climate change legislation from your senators and congressional representative. Use the published reports of the League of Conservation Voters to review the votes of your senators and congressional representative on environmental legislation. Use your vote to hold your representatives accountable.

Uncontrolled global warming will impact every single organism on planet earth. The fact that the planet is warming and the glaciers are melting is not in question. The fact that the increase in global sea temperature and melting glaciers will cause an increase in the sea level and cause coastal flooding is not in doubt. What is truly uncertain is whether we will find the courage and wisdom to take action while it is still possible.

l David G. Gerleman of Swisher is a retired University of Iowa College of Medicine engineer. Comments: limitCO2@southslope.net