Letters to the editor for Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016

Was it love at first sight? Did he repeatedly ask you out? Share your stories of love and the Nevada Appeal will publish them on Valentine’s Day. Submissions, 250 words or less, can be emailed to editor@nevadaappeal.com with the subject line “Love Stories,” or faxed to 775-887-2420, or mailed to the Nevada Appeal, 580 Mallory Way, Carson City NV 89701. Include photos if you have them. Deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Global warming must be acknowledged

I agree with Sam Bauman’s commentary in the Jan. 12 issue of the Nevada Appeal. American politicians are intentionally avoiding the reality of climate change. Recent polls reveal that a majority of Americans believe global warming is occurring and human activities contribute to global warming.

There is overwhelming evidence as to the suffering, damage and costs associated with climate change. As Mr. Bauman notes, “Big business, big agriculture, big pharmaceuticals, big manufacturing all see climate change as a threat to profits.” Those with vested interests in the existing power generation system have worked to stifle open discussion of the facts.

Consider this issue from a gambler’s perspective, which we in Nevada are familiar. What are the odds of negative impacts on our lives and those of our families? Are you willing to bet more than 90 percent of climate scientists and representatives of more than 190 countries are wrong? Or instead that a relatively few wealthy persons, who stand to profit by delaying action, have your best interests at heart? I’ll take a bet at 90 percent odds that climate change exists and will have bad results, unless we act.

We can fix this, but only if we and our elected leaders acknowledge the true scope of the problem and act to reduce the terrible risks we all face.

For information on one bipartisan effort to get our elected representatives to take action, please check out citizensclimatelobby.org on the web.

Bill Prowse

Carson City