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7 minutes ago by Richard Mason

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We must accept that climate change is not a theory any more. The facts are so overwhelming that the vast majority (some estimates are well above 95 percent) of scholarly scientists have concluded our atmosphere is warming, and the results of a warmer atmosphere are going to be catastrophic.

If we accept these scientific studies, we should make climate change a part of the curriculum in our schools. California has passed a bill that would mandate climate change be taught in all higher-grade public schools. Right now, some 20 states are requiring some form of environmental awareness instruction

Arkansas is not on the list. For some reason, the subject has become a political issue. It is being denied and called a radical left-wing Democratic hoax. There is no evidence to support that while increasing the use of coal, oil, and other contributors to the problem.

These states have specific requirements or programs that address climate change: Maryland, Kentucky, Indiana, New Jersey, Illinois, California, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Wisconsin, and Oregon. It is hard to see or why something as nebulous as a two- or three-percent increase in our atmospheric temperature could be a threat to future generations.

I think if we put the battle on an individual basis, we can understand it better. Let’s say you have a bad cough and have trouble breathing, and are worried that you might have something seriously wrong, such as cancer. You manage to get an appointment at a major cancer treatment center, and they put you through an extensive battery of tests. Over 95 percent of the tests are conclusive: You have cancer.

You meet with your doctor, and after you go over the tests with him, you ask:

“Doctor, what do you recommend I do?” He starts by describing a detailed treatment, and you interrupt.

“Doctor, has anyone else looked at my tests?”

He answers, “Yes; and after viewing all the results, they are almost unanimous that you have cancer.”

Your doctor begins to review cancer treatments, and you interrupt: “Doctor, I don’t believe I have cancer. What if I just ignore these tests?”

“My judgment is that you will die a lingering death in a few years,” replied your physician.

I know you’re mumbling, “No one would be that stupid.” But when you ignore the opinions of the scientific community and deny the vast body of scientific evidence, this is exactly what you are doing, The only difference is the effect on the individual and the effect on the planet. The quality of life on Earth will be severely affected as a direct result of inaction.

There are politicians who are actively opposing restrictions on coal, supporting increases in fossil fuel use, and calling climate change a great hoax proposed by the radical left. That opposition harks back 100 years to when evolution was being added to our schools’ curriculums.

We are at an educational crossroad again as some, without any scientific support, oppose everything that attempts to slow and reduce climate change’s long-term effects. Are we going to succumb to that noisy rhetoric? Will we stand up to support the scientific facts, or will we cower to the loud, unifactorial minority?

The battle against teaching evolution was against an educational stance, while not teaching about climate change will have significant human consequences on health, food and water security, and displacement of communities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

Email Richard Mason at richard@gibraltarenergy.com.

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