TO THE EDITOR:

I recently read a commentary about the apparent futility in trying to reduce CO2 emissions. As most people probably know, carbon dioxide e.g. CO2 is one of the "green house gases" that is helping to trap heat and thus raise the planet's temperature. The commentary was a fertile mix of some correct scientific data, modest speculation and politically driven rhetoric that, at best, would lead us down the road of paralysis. Unfortunately, it was a negative message coming at a time when we need some serious positive action. The planet breathes much in the same way as people do. It takes CO2 out of the atmosphere and puts some back in. The amounts are huge, 210 billion metric tons are taken out and 207 billion metric tons are respired back each year (source = dept. of energy). Do the math and you will note that there is a net reduction of CO2 by approximately 3 billion metric tons each year. This means that the planet has a buffer. I suppose to allow for forest fires etc. This also implies that if human activity stayed below that buffer level of CO2 production, the level of CO2 in the atmosphere would not be increasing. How much CO2 do humans contribute?

Approximately 6.3 billion metric tons each year. Some people choose to trivialize matters of importance. To aid them in their efforts they often use percentages. For example, you can say that humans only produce 2.95 percent of all the CO2 that is produced. This tends to minimize the impact. In the absence of knowing the delicate balance of the CO2 cycle, and not knowing how much the planet can compensate for, you might think, "what's the big deal?" In fact that 6.3 billion metric tons is really 210 percent of what the planet can compensate for. A percentage like 2.95 percent may be relatively small but it can still be significant. This is the point.

Everything has to start somewhere. We, as a State, need to do what we can to reduce CO2 production, others will follow. This is the physical manifestation of leadership.

In a broader but related energy issue, as we approach diminishing oil supplies, cost will drive up energy prices. Our addiction to foreign oil has all but bankrupted the country and has dictated an insane foreign policy. Mercury from coal burning is a big issue. Many of these issues will be problems in a few years and some in a hundred years. If we can mitigate them now, then future generations will benefit. Does anyone remember the common good?

We need to use what we have wisely and use it as a stepping stone to the next generation of ingenuity.

Paul Dennison
South Shafer Institute for Clear Thinking