Environmental threats aplenty

It seems as if some writers think that if global warming is not occurring or if human activities are not affecting climate change, then humanity can continue its destructive and consumptive habits, as if climate change is the only environmental calamity with which we need to be concerned.

Many activities which negatively affect the environment such as pollution, mining, deforestation and illegal dumping of toxic waste may also contribute to climate change.

Is the climate changing, and are human activities affecting it? What does it matter? Our consumptive and wasteful lifestyles are affecting the rest of the environment so much that climate change is just one more possible consequence.

If we stop wasting our time and effort debating climate change and instead concentrate on preserving healthy natural environments, the climate will take care of itself. Then, perhaps, we’ll be able to see for ourselves whether or not our formerly destructive activities were contributing to any observable change in the climate.

Debbie Miller

Coeur d’Alene