Letter to the Editor: Swift action needed

The Jan. 16 story, “Lawmakers told to prepare state for worst-case climate scenarios” reported the forward-thinking proposals of Governor Gregoire’s Climate Advisory Team (CAT) to help safeguard us from the effects of climate change. The draft reports from this group are available for review and the public comment period has been extended until Tuesday.

As a member of the CAT’s Preparation and Adaptation workgroup that examined the potential threats to human health from climate change, I am impressed with the consensus of the scientific community. Also, I am more convinced of the need to take swift action. As someone with a background in earth science, I have for years been concerned about potential changes caused by our exploding population and our gargantuan expenditures of energy.

It is important to consider, however, that although the threat can seem overwhelming we may have an opportunity to make the world a better place for our children. We need the collective courage to make this vision of a better world a reality. We also we need leaders with courage to tackle the issue.

Each of us has a role to play. Visit the following Web site for further info and to view the draft reports from the Washington State Climate Advisory Team: www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/public_comments_dec2007.htm.

Dave Seabrook
Battle Ground