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Lethbridge, AB
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Phone: (403) 328-1804
Thursday, April 26, 2007
The Editor
The Lethbridge Herald
P.O. Box 670
Lethbridge, AB, T1J 3Z7
Questioning climate change
Dear Editor,
Peter Heseltine’s short letter to insult Clive Schaupmeyer triggers serious consideration of the more widespread mentality it reveals. (“Off to the library” Herald, 07/04/21) In short, followers of the climate change movement unquestioningly accept the siren call of their leaders and act with little thought.
Five minutes with Google would have revealed to Mr. Heseltine that Mr. Schaupmeyer is educated far beyond grade school. He has a M.Sc and is a professional agrologist. He has published several scientific papers. He is an accomplished wildlife photographer, and builds on that talent to write books and articles on fishing and environmental issues. Most significantly, he is involved in volunteer activities to protect the environment and people. His intelligent questioning of aspects of the climate change issue no doubt stems from his scientific background and a desire to scrutinize conjecture and see proven principles established.
On the other hand, Mr. Heseltine, and many other followers of those who promote belief in climate catastrophe, think that “10 hours in the library” reading shallow stories is all that is needed to understand climate change and postulate solutions.
There are renowned climate scientists who decry the panic that has set in over their discipline. Dr. Richard Lindzen, an atmospheric physicist from MIT, is one of those. Earlier this week, during an earth day interview with Linda Frum of the National Post, he was asked “if there are behaviors we should be changing, as a society, to protect the planet”. His quick response was “Yes. We should learn math and physics so we don't get fooled by this idiocy.”
Understanding climate science is indeed very difficult. Climate prediction depends much on math and physics. The current premise that carbon dioxide is a potential cause also requires deep understanding of biology as carbon dioxide is an essential component of life. I, for one, am deeply grateful to scientists such as Richard Lindzen and Clive Schaupmeyer for pointing out there is a large element of uncertainty and conjecture in the current furor over global warming and the stubborn adherence of some to the Kyoto protocol as a solution.
Yours truly,
Duane Pendergast