This LTE originally provided by The Charleston Gazette

October 2, 2007

Time for W.Va. to shift from carbon

Editor:

I am disappointed that the Gazette would give so much space to a scientist from the extreme fringe as when you wrote about Fred Singer’s presentation on Sept. 25. He disputes the consensus findings of more than 2,000 of the world’s top scientists by contending that global warming is not real, and worse, claims that we can do nothing about it.

Climate scientists all over the world agree that the single biggest variable determining future climate will be the level of action by humans to limit greenhouse gases. All other uncertainties dwarf in comparison.

Furthermore, the title of the forum “A Threat to West Virginia” ignores real economic opportunities that preparing for a carbon-constrained economy will offer. From new technologies in energy efficiency to new, clean, renewable energy sources, we should prepare for this shift in economic focus. A 2 percent per year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would prevent the worst effects of warming.

This is a doable solution, if we start now. The West Virginia Environmental Council is meeting Saturday and Sunday to help formulate energy solutions for our state, and concerned citizens are invited to participate. Details are available at www.wvecouncil.org.

James Kotcon
President, West Virginia Environmental Council
Morgantown