CO2 is beneficial

Del Nord states that scientists agree that carbon dioxide is the major contributor to climate change (warmer or cooler) (“Measure your footprint,” Jan. 25).

Yes, some scientists agree, yet a large faction — perhaps a majority of physical scientists — do not agree. The truth is, there is no convincing evidence that CO2 has a significant role in climate warming. Any relationship between CO2 and global warming is linearly related to concentration. The rise in CO2 has been so small over the last 100 years that the effect is much smaller than IPCC models predict.

Further, CO2 is an essential gas for all life on the planet. In fact, it has been known for years that an increase in CO2 results healthier and more abundant plant growth, which in turn increases concentration of oxygen.

In the public mind there is confusion between pollution and the release of CO2 during burning. Pollution is, of course, undesirable, yet technology has the ability to minimize effects. On the other hand, CO2 is desirable, and we should encourage increasing concentration because of the positive effects on all life.

Philip Thayer

Spokane