Climate change affects us all

Concern for providing future generations with the ability to enjoy life on this planet as much as do we is not a Republican-versus-Democratic issue, nor a conservative-versus-liberal issue, unless we argue that one or other political philosophy is against future generations. Climate change must be addressed by all tenants of this planet, as it affects us all.

Those enjoying the standard of living our natural systems allow owe to future generations the debt of not destroying those natural systems. Undoubtedly, future generations will not be served if we ignore the evidence while climate change befalls us. Increased drought across much of the nation combined with the destruction of our current agricultural and forestry systems cannot be considered, by any stretch of the imagination, beneficial for our children and grandchildren. Further, a consensus exists among scientists with relevant expertise regarding the cause of climate change and what we can do to address it.

Scientists do not ignore historic temperature fluctuations, as Jack Hurt asserts in his July 15 letter. On the contrary, they understand how a disproportionate amount of greenhouse gases can affect the natural balance that has sustained our planet for billions of years. Additionally, in the scientific arena debate requires opposing positions with peer-reviewed data to support their respective arguments. However, skeptical arguments are supported by no such evidence, as no such evidence exists.

Repeating the unsupported arguments of the skeptics will only harm our planet and those who call it home.

ADAM GOHN, Cape Girardeau