Some scientists disagree that global warming is a threat

Gazette columnist Jennifer Hemmingsen has written that global warming is right now a danger to the United States and steps need to be taken now to mitigate this danger. I believe she should also point out that there are credible scientists who believe global warming is not a present danger and that it is not necessary to take any mitigating action.

Ms. Hemmingsen cites findings of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that evidence of harmful climate change is “incontrovertible” and remedial steps need to be taken now.

There are qualified scientists and engineers who disagree. They believe that climate changes caused by burning fossil fuels, particularly coal, are no call for panic or immediate action.

This subject is timely because coal is the fuel for so much of the electric power consumed in our area by utility residential, commercial and industrial customers. We need to remember that most of us use more electricity at work than we do at home.

Alliant Energy, the utility that serves much of Eastern Iowa, states in its 2012 annual report that 59 percent of the utility's electric sales are to industrial and commercial customers. Coal is the fuel source for 47 percent of Alliant's power generation.

John P. (Pat) McPartland

Cedar Rapids