Climate is a broad picture

I have been reading the letters and opinions regarding climate change — both pro and con. The approach used by the media, politicians, scientists and environmentalists is bothering me and it should bother all people worldwide.

There are many factors involved in climate change but there is no discussion or dialogue by anyone about any factor except carbon dioxide. Why? If we only address carbon dioxide and no other factor, can climate change be effective?

Many people do not know the difference between carbon particulate (small particles like dust) and carbon dioxide (a gas). Both are byproducts of combustion. The politicians want a carbon fee or tax, but is the tax for the particulate, the gas, or both? They say it will help the climate, but the fee seems to be directed only toward fossil fuels. What about all fireplaces, wood burning stoves, facilities that burn wood chips and waste-to-energy facilities?

There has been no dialogue about the environmental impact of the wind or solar farms to be constructed. Why? How many acres of land are lost of other uses of these farms? Which will have a bigger physical footprint (land) to provide 50 megawatts of energy: a solar farm or nuclear facility?

The environment is important but we must look at a much larger and longer picture to address the problem. It will not be answered by the agendas or ideology of either side. We must all work together with the broad picture.

Robert Lautzenheiser

Spokane