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Don’t ignore rising CO2

Sun., May 17, 2015

It is front page news in the May 7 Spokesman-Review: Earth’s monthly average of carbon dioxide passed 400 parts per million, way over the supposedly safe level of 350 ppm suggested by the former head of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels is the most significant greenhouse gas.

Carbon dioxide levels are now increasing at a record pace. Will this report capture our attention? Extreme weather (also front page news) and even photos of people wearing face mask protection from smog, have barely slowed our use of oil, coal and gas.

If the water in the proverbial pot gets hotter at a faster rate perhaps, unlike the frogs, we will jump out in time to save ourselves.

Judy Butler

Hope, Idaho

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