Inslee’s climate ignorance

Governor Inslee begins with a grossly ignorant misstatement: “We are the first generation to feel the sting of climate change.” (“Our nation’s challenge: climate change,” Jan. 20, 2019)

Throughout history humankind has been subjected to climatic change; for example, the Medieval Warming Period followed by the Little Ice Age, and the causes of the continental glaciers’ retreat from central latitudes to polar regions. None of these phenomena were human caused. Immensely powerful natural forces, such as variable interactions between solar events and cosmic radiation, have not suddenly disappeared. And, importantly, we must realize that human influences on climate change can be overwhelmed by natural forces.

He then denigrates fossil fuel producers, and proposes taxes which will price carbon fuels beyond the reach of the proletariat. For remedy, he proposes massive government projects, which might, in time, find viable substitutes for carbon energy.

His plan to electrify transportation will reduce pollution in urban areas, but with current technology, the conventional energy required to mine the elements needed to produce batteries and to provide recharging is really robbing Peter to pay Paul.

We do now have viable carbon fuel alternatives – major increases in nuclear and hydro power – but these are vehemently opposed by the governor and his followers.

M. A. Kaufman

Spokane Valley