Letter: Heed consensus on climate change
Barley grows on a farmer's field as a storm cloud passes by near Diedersdorf, Germany. Analysts are predicting a drop in northern Germany grain production by 10-15% due to wet summer weather. Adverse weather, which many scientists attribute to global warming, is causing difficult conditions for grain farmers worldwide. (July 16, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
I've heard the arguments of the climate-change deniers before, but never one as absurd or illogical as presented in a recent letter ["Global warming evidence flawed," Aug. 6].
The letter quotes a Newsday editorial saying scientists overwhelmingly agree that human activity is warming the planet. The letter writer says this idea "is inappropriate since science is the search for truth, not consensus."
If the writer contracted a serious illness and the overwhelming consensus of doctors recommends a course of treatment, would the writer not take the treatment because there wasn't absolute certainty?
Absolute truth is always elusive, if not unattainable, especially with an issue as complex as global warming. But inaction due to a lack of absolute certainty is a dangerous game to play when the stakes are so high.
Michael Golden, Great Neck
